‘A Play At Voices’ is a record that places fables and stories front and centre of its ethos. From the opening chords on ‘Violence & Violins’, you’re drawn into the cinematic and fantastical world that Justin Hulsey has so meticulously brought to life. The attention to detail, the tiny minutia in the arrangement, and the almost spiritually inspired lyricism make for an album that feels firmly at home in an epic fantasy. “A Play At Voices,” was recorded mostly in Hulsey’s garage as well as in his friend and producer, Justin Glasco’s studio in Eaglerock. There’s a progressiveness and thematic quality to the record that makes for a sonic journey unlike most alternative rock albums out today.
“There is also a bit of a concept behind the album which I never intended to happen. The way the album communicates is influenced by a Dylan Thomas play called “Under Milk Wood.” Lot’s of different characters telling their own stories. I think that’s what these songs are.” That storytelling aspect to the album is an undoubtable highlight, with each song being a fable of its own. Even sonically, no two songs really fall into the same category. The opener is prosperously palatial, propped up by pillars of production that give it an opulence to fall into. ‘Suddenly Sunshine’ relies more on an acoustic guitar, it’s far more restrained, a ballad that builds with a brooding heaviness.
But there’s also a grounded feel to some of the records. A track like ‘Are You Ok To Drive’, which opens with a quirky experimental percussive introduction, is far more grounded, vulnerable, and relatable. Others like Floral have such restrained choruses, but so catchy and addictive that it immediately becomes the song that you can’t escape replaying time and time again. The final minute of ‘Floral’ is some of the most beautifully cathartic soundscapes you’ll come across.
An album to treasure for its storytelling, its arrangement, and its diversity.