Reviewed by Samuel Parker

If you read Cross Rhythms' recent article you'll know that The Weathering are the musical project of the husband and wife duo, Jeff and Leora Caylor, based in Hong Kong. The title track is the first single released from this album and is only a glimpse of what to expect from this collection of haunting art pop originals. 'The Sea Cares For Its Own' mixes a vast range of electronic and organic sounds (from guitars, pianos and glockenspiels to arpeggiators, evolving synths and drum machines) with the soft, unique vocal styles of Jeff and Leora creating a new style of music which their record label, 7Core Music, describes as "dream pop". Throughout the album, The Weathering mix dreamy ambiences with well crafted, beautiful melodies, refusing to follow or replicate existing popular music. Leora's vocals in particular are captivating; her words whispering into your ears like a lullaby in songs such as "Where Other Ghosts Gather" and "Coventry". Other songs such as "Bow And Blades" offer a direction away from the ambient accompaniment with punchy electronic stabs, accentuated snare hits and driving bass lines. "And I Hear Music" also mixes it up with a piano and string-focused waltz. The song builds powerfully with the addition of a full soundscape of strings, guitars and drums before dropping to piano and vocals. All in all, this album feels as though it has been hand-crafted with finesse. Each part fitting precisely into this stunning musical jigsaw, as if no part has been thrown in for the sake of it, creating an end-product of sonic beauty.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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