Too Numb to Know＜限定盤＞

Profligates 2018 full-length Somewhere Else was a major step up for the artist, distilling contemplations on desire and isolation into sophisticated darkwave pop songs enhanced by carefully controlled noise eruptions. 2020s Too Numb to Know is a further refinement, with far less of the harsh electronic elements of the projects earlier work, shorter song lengths, and a greater presence of acoustic and electric instrumentation. Recorded over several years as Noah Anthony relocated from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to Cleveland, the albums songs reflect his numerous life changes, signaling growth and maturity, yet retain the mysterious qualities that made his past work so intriguing. The lyrics are clearly stated but far from obvious and often quite cryptic, leaving much open to interpretation. Generally, they appear to be about deception, uncertainty, and emotional disconnection, as well as persistent failure to reach love and understanding. While tracks such as Mask and Tula have more inventive, complex rhythms, others are more direct and urgent, such as the racing synth pop of Hang Up and No Clear Way. A Little Rain starts out with a sparse, knocking beat and a feeling of hollowness, then gradually blooms into something more tender, with a lusher arrangement and guest vocals by Gel Sets Laura Callier. We Can Punish is a strange puzzle of noise sweeps and knotty rhythms, yet somehow landing at one of the albums most memorable hooks. Two of the most danceable cuts are saved for the end. Just a Few Things Wrong features Whitney Johnsons viola cleverly melting into a synth line over a propulsive beat, while A Stranger edges into harder and more provocative territory. ~ Paul Simpson