This album will put you too sleep, honestly. Not in the way that the atypical boring, formulated efforts of a below average pop song would. Rather, Lost Wisdom is a record of understanding and warmth. The voices resonating in your headphones will cause a moment of clarity and the heartfelt lyricism will pacify the worst case of stress.
Lost Wisdom represents the completion of a small session between the prolific singer-songwriter Phil Elverum, of the Microphones, and his childhood idol, Julie Doiron, singer and guitarist for the early 90’s lo-fi noise band Eric’s Trip. Just breaking 20 minutes, this short LP was created in a mere three days. But behind the rushed nature of the album’s production lies some of the most emotionally dense material Elverum has released.
The duel vocal harmonies throughout the album distinguish this from Elverum’s previous work. The subtle intertwining of a wavering Elverum and a bright Doiron create the sense of companionship that the Microphones had always been missing. While the album’s message is one of loneliness and loss, it is refreshing to hear his voice accompanied by another, if only to express a sense of shared struggle.
Elverum’s usual existential musings about the universe and nature are replaced with simple realism. This short album shows a much more forward-thinking songwriter, evident in “You Swan, Go On”‘s hopeful message of letting go of constricting ties to the past, and in “O My Heart,” as Elverum finds what he had given up on looking for.
The artists’ discontent with their weary hearts has a beautiful backdrop, like previous Microphones and Mount Eerie projects. Lo-fi acoustic recordings seem to be bouncing through an empty room. A newly utilized electric guitar (in the hands of Fred Squire) sorrowfully arpeggiates against acoustic strumming, and the simple tension that this creates is a beautiful accompaniment to the writhing lyricism.
Lost Wisdom is a unique Elverum experience; its spontaneous nature and companionship make it more accessible. The vocal presence is calming and apt, and while Elverum may ask in the lyrics “who are you voice in headphones,” you won’t care as long as it continues.
Voice’s Choices: “You Swan, Go On”, “Voice in Headphones”, “Lost Wisdom”
