Hi Pal,
Welcome to another review where I tell you how I feel about a specific album or EP release. We will check out No Creature Is Hidden by Former Ruins in today's edition.
Former Ruins (also known as Levi Sikes) came into my life when I discovered his debut album Large Startling (2020) in 2021. It’s difficult not to be mesmerized by his distinct baritone and the thought-provoking poetry that is evident in his lyrical approach. It became clear to me, even back then, that his music is the kind that you need to spend time with to properly digest its content. Musically, he is inspired by indie rock and post-punk bands of the late 90s to early 2000s. Yet, there are also strong hints of folk rock and heartland alternative rock embedded within the sonic landscapes that he treads.
In 2021, he released the Fruit of Winter EP and my experience with it was very similar to its predecessor. Sometime in 2022, I saw the announcement of this new album and after listening to a few singles, I can tell you that this review is one I have been reluctant to do.
It’s difficult to completely convey all that No Creature Is Hidden represents in words and I believe that the best way to truly understand the album is to give it a listen.
“The Last Thing I Saw” kicks this album off and it’s a mellow grower, to say the least. Starting with simple strums and hums, Sikes tells a tale of playing catch-up with God in a sense and how He is ever present as he sings, ‘…but this is how it’s always felt like I’m only arriving where you’ve already been…’ It’s a powerful song that draws and ingrains the listener to its world through its words. “Sparrow Eyes” is one of the earliest singles of the album and a song that relates directly to the album’s theme. It’s a steady feet-tapping indie rock tune that reminds us that we cannot run away from God. There’s a sense of excitement to the tune but also a sense of reverence and surrender that I love.
“Uncreated Light” is a world of post-punk bliss that has my favourite line in the entire album: “…we all need to hear some hard things sometimes…” I’m not sure how Sikes manages to sing about many vital issues in a little over four and a half minutes. He speaks about believers creating versions of Christ fuelled by “our truths” and how following them gives us darkness that we mistake for light. It’s a song of surrender that is quite sonically dense and reminds us how astute Sikes is in creating this kind of music.
“Sign” is a song of contradictions. It references the way Jews called for the crucifixion of our Lord and reveals to us how we also tend to do the same to people instead of following the Lord’s footsteps — laying down His life. It’s a gorgeous tune with emotionally stirring strings and synths. “Lindy” is dedicated to his mother and I have a soft spot for this song because of the relationship I have with my parents. Every time I hear the words, “…now I’m the one carrying you around every day, wherever I’m gonna go, you are never so far away…”, it reminds me of my relationship with my dad and moves me to tears.
“Horses in First Drafts” begins with a mellow tune and progresses into one of the most musically expressive and lyrically dense songs on this album. It has an arena rock quality yet still retains its distinct post-punk energy with big drums, colourful synths and guitars. “Our Love Is Water” is sombre and dark in the best way. It has a hypnotic feel with haunting reverbs on the guitars and with more listens, it has grown into one of my favourites on the album.
“False Infinities” has been on repeat on my playlist for a minute now and it’s probably the song that made me realize how much I was going to enjoy this album. Sikes has a way with words and the manner in which he delivers, “…I had a perfect circle but I tried to paint it all back…” stops me in my tracks all the time. It’s a song about hypocrisy and deception and continues the theme of worshipping a manufactured, constructed version of Christ and its dangers. This track also happens to have a blissful spoken-word bridge and a delightful fuzzy guitar solo. On “Doxology”, Sikes offers his unique rendition of this classic tune complete with an original verse and a chorus. In typical Former Ruins fashion, the new lyrics are poetic, practical and reverent.
“Millefleurs” brings the album to a close in a spectacular style. Thematically, it focuses on the totality of the human experience; our creation, fall, redemption and restoration to God. However, the true genius of this track lies in the ways it ties the album together. Sikes utilizes background vocals, singing intermittently “…all we are is known to you, all we are is made of you…” which is a call-back to Sparrow Eyes
. It’s also interesting to note that the word “millefleurs” is in the song’s lyrics.
Everything that Large Startling does, No Creature Is Hidden does better, with a more refined sense of efficiency. Rarely have I ever seen such clear and distinct improvements in the entirety of an artist’s creative output. It is clear to me that Levi Sikes is committed — dare I say obsessed — and dedicated to communicating honestly and clearly while pouring the best of his musicianship to reflect who he is at every given period. Yet, even with this high praise, I can’t help but get the sense that Former Ruins is still very far from its peak.
For now, I can say objectively that these are the best collection of songs from Former Ruins to date and this is currently (at the time of writing this) the best indie album of 2023.
Genre(s): Indie Rock, Post Punk Revival
RATING
: 5/5
Listen Here:
Apple Music • Deezer • Other Links
Connect with Former Ruins:
Website • Instagram • Facebook
That’s it for today.
Catch you soon!
Talk to me about your favourite songs on the album. Also, let me know of any other albums or EPs you’d like me to review.
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