The Weight Of The Sun＜Yellow Vinyl＞

Judging by the tonal shift of 2019s Emergent Slow Arcs, a change seemed imminent for Modern Studies. A collaboration with sound designer Tommy Perman, that album served as a companion piece to the Scottish indie quartets superb second outing, Welcome Strangers, by recasting their exultant chamber folk songs into ambient instrumental echoes. Toning down both their folk roots and orchestral ambitions, Modern Studies third set, Weight of the Sun, fuses a gentle rock mystique with burbling synth flourishes and a touch of light psychedelia. That the band originally coalesced around an antique harmonium and other eclectic folk instrumentation makes their journey toward a more common rock format somewhat ironic, though, as on each of their releases, they bring something special to the table. Opener Photograph sets a dreamy tone as co-frontpeople Emily Scott (vocals, keys) and Rob St. John (vocals, guitar) weave their peculiar tandem vocals around a slow-building wash of electric guitars, synths, and a warm rhythmic pulse. A moody midnight aura imbues highlight Run for Cover with its soft rock groove and shimmering psych adornments. Shape-shifting strings wind in and out of the tumultuous Back to the City, later adding sunlit warmth to closer Shape of Light. Contemplative and anxious hues color much of the record, which seems to live within the push and pull of earthbound concerns and misty swirls. From the outset, Weight of the Sun feels less immediately accessible than Modern Studies two previous albums and suffers a bit from its mid-tempo lull and more contemporary palette. Given some time to decant, however, it reveals hidden depths and more interesting layers than are at first apparent. ~ Timothy Monger