Brooklyn’s own Earthquake Lights have never been easy to box into a genre, and their latest single “Oil on Canvas” continues to challenge musical boundaries. Renowned for blending alt-rock with elegant orchestral strings and a hint of jazz, the group’s approach is as distinct as it is engaging. This new track entices listeners with a compelling narrative set against a backdrop of art fraud, exploring deep themes of value and authenticity.
Since their debut with “Distress Signals,” featuring Abbey Road strings and Broadway brass, Earthquake Lights has garnered attention for their distinct and very sophisticated sound. Their music, often reminiscent of Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and Beck, melds rock foundations with intricate jazz influences, creating a lush, almost classical soundscape. The band’s journey continued with their second album, “Desert Bloom,” which not only featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds but also made notable appearances on the iTunes and Apple music charts.
“Oil on Canvas” emerges as an excellent addition to the band’s ever-evolving catalog. Released on April 17th and clocking in at just over three and a half minutes, the song is a testament to the band’s seasoned musical prowess and attention to detail. The arrangement is graced with delicate, vintage-inspired orchestral strings that harken back to a bygone era, adding a touch of classical elegance. As the strings build to a emotionally charged crescendo, the track takes on a cinematic quality that transports the listener to another world, showcasing the band’s ability to create an immersive and emotionally compelling musical experience.
The creation of this single was a journey that spanned across the Atlantic, with recording sessions taking place at the renowned Douglass Recording in Brooklyn and the legendary Abbey Road Studio 2 in London. The collaborative effort behind the song’s production, mixing, and mastering is a testament to the band’s commitment to excellence, as they enlisted the expertise of industry veterans who have previously worked with luminaries such as Shawn Mendes, Lizzo, Lana Del Rey, and Metallica. The result is a polished and impressive single that showcases the band’s artistic vision and the immense talent of all those involved in bringing this single to life.
Beyond sound—the narrative of “Oil on Canvas” dives into the mind of a con artist entrenched in the counterfeit art world. Through this song, the band explores the intricate themes of authenticity and value, posing deep questions about what truly constitutes worth. Myles Rodenhouse, the lead vocalist, sums up the central idea behind the song: “Really, the value of something is what the buyer thinks it’s really worth. What is valuable and what is not valuable? I guess that’s in the eye of the buyer,” capturing the essence of the theme, challenging us to reflect on our perceptions of value in art and beyond.
This track from their upcoming album also goes beyond a straightforward narrative, delving into broader societal issues like the mental health crisis. It reflects on the pressures of self-perception and the facades individuals create to navigate societal expectations, tying these personal battles to the album’s more prominent themes around the perception of oneself and others.
By framing the story through the perspective of someone who deceives others by selling counterfeit art, Earthquake Lights invites the audience to consider their own judgments and the values they assign in various aspects of life. The song questions established standards and authority, asking who ultimately decides what is ‘good’ or ‘bad.’
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Earthquake Lights, you can listen to “Oil on Canvas” on Spotify. It gives us a sneak peek at what’s coming up on their much anticipated upcoming album. The band is also pretty active on social media, where they share all sorts of updates and behind-the-scenes stuff on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Ultimately, ‘Oil on Canvas’ is much more than a pleasant listening experience—it invites us into a profound contemplation of the illusions we often take for granted in our everyday lives. With its rich layers and subtle nuances, this track not only begs for replay but also challenges us to reconsider our values in today’s fast-paced world.
