THE WORLD AT A GLANCE - "THE LONGEST SHADOW CAN ONLY RECEDE" LP

CRUCIBLE:

Incepted in 2009, with a sprawling catalogue of art, EP’s, splits, experimental film, featuring many incarnations and iterations over the years, The World At A Glance make their Crucible debut with the stunning The Longest Shadow Can Only Recede, the last of a trio of concept albums and a stand-alone, monumental full-length effort that is a testament to this bands commitment of artistic vision and the steadfast bond that has carried this vision through time.

A true collaboration, featuring guest vocals from Sharni Brouwer and Mark Grant of Blind Girls and Adam McArthur of Vestiges, a broad palette of instrumentation, a strong aesthetic brought to life by photography by Ben Westover, featuring model Jemimah Laine, poised on the cover, acting as the unnamed narrator of this epic tale, this album is incredibly unique in it’s novel approach as it moves through the blurred lines of post-hardcore, screamo and a new heavier territory for the band in post-metal.

Figure headed by the first single “Moth”, opening with the poetic lines;

“Hold these two swords
With both eyes closed
I turned to you
And you’re there with me”

The listener is instantly plunged into the world of The World At A Glance, and free to interpret the perfectly placed prose within the lush soundscape that surrounds them, placed on the sands of this beach, spacious, beautiful yet isolated.

The powerful violin performance of Claire Westover weaves in and out, bridging the spaces between the subdued patience and violent outbursts of the following tracks; Leering Birch & Circles In Sand. The album’s namesake, The Longest Shadow Can Only Recede is a crescendo that stays with you and an opportunity to re centre and breathe. Immensely powerful and captivating vocal delivery lead by Scott Mclatchie and supported by the barrage of backing vocals from the whole band and guests carry this story through the next track; See, before the calming instrumental On Some Distant Shore leads into the epic finale; Endlessly, leaving us with the poignant yet triumphant;

“Where, where did I leave myself this time?
Along these longing shores, where the sand has turned to stone and sea to dust!
I formed alone, I’ll fade as one
And from memories’ bed return to none.”

There is a feeling of wisdom gained as the album comes to a close, the footsteps along the beach seem to continue in the silence, long after.

The Longest Shadow Can Only Recede is sure to impress long-term fans of this band and demand attention for first time listeners, as The World At A Glance have displayed a masterclass of storytelling through the medium of music with this beautiful record.