La Luz’s News of the Universe is a celestial voyage that elevates their sound to stellar heights. Shana Cleveland and her bandmates have an extraordinary ability to craft albums that whisk listeners away into a lush, sonic dreamscape. Each release feels like a fresh exploration of uncharted musical territory, much like the Cocteau Twins’ groundbreaking work. With this album, La Luz continues to defy conventions and carve out their own mesmerizing niche in the vast galaxy of music.
The album kicks off with the instrumental “Reaching Up to the Sun,” a brief yet evocative piece that sets the tone for what’s to come. It seamlessly transitions into the lead single “Strange World,” where mesmerizing melodies intertwine with a deep, psychedelic groove. “Dandelions” emerges as a standout, its spacey aura nodding to the sounds of Broadcast and Spacemen 3. This track, along with others, benefits immensely from the contributions of bassist Lena Simon and keyboardist Alice Sandahl, who make their final appearances with the band on this album, injecting an energy that is both vibrant and vital. Producer and keyboard player Maryam Qudos (Spacemoth) brings a fresh dynamic to the album, allowing tracks like “Poppies” to explore more subdued territories while “Always in Love” glides on a precise, elegant hook. Each song on News of the Universe possesses a lilting charm, with varying tempos and instrumentation that keep the listener engaged.
Shana Cleveland’s guiding hand is evident throughout, steering the music into spaces both intimate and expansively cosmic. The all-female production environment fosters a sense of openness and trust, allowing the band to delve into their deepest emotions and express them freely. The soundscape of News of the Universe is vast and varied, blending celestial themes with shimmering chamber pop and gritty riffs. “Blue Jay” is a prime example of this simplicity and raw emotion, featuring Cleveland’s voice paired with a lone acoustic guitar. “I’ll Go With You” is a masterclass in contrast, starting with a heavy riff and transitioning into delicate harmonies, while “Always in Love” is a powerful ballad that crescendos into a jubilant guitar solo
News of the Universe marks a significant evolution for La Luz. It is a celebration of vulnerability and femininity, highlighting La Luz’s trailblazing spirit in the indie scene. The album’s haunting psychedelia and joyful melodies capture the essence of a band unafraid to push boundaries and explore new artistic realms. The album is a darkly sweet exploration of heavy themes like cancer, death, and motherhood, delivered with a newfound confidence and maturity. On News of the Universe, La Luz has crafted an album that sounds timeless yet fresh, pushing their boundaries while maintaining the hypnotic beauty that defines their music.
