Review: Peaking Lights - Cosmic Logic
By Haadiza Ogwude, Contributor
[Weird World; 2014]
Rating: 6.5/10
Key Tracks: “Breakdown,” “Little Light,” “Infinite Trips”
Peaking Lights is a husband and wife psychedelic pop duo; its latest release, Cosmic Logic, is an interesting and unusual album. Artists ranging from The Internet to The Flaming Lips to Jamiroquia have always been on my music radar, and now I can add Peaking Lights to the list. Cosmic Logic has a strong funk and futuristic sound unlike many other albums out today. The album’s strong techno beats keep its listeners on their feet and its catchy lyrics are easy for singing along, whether or not you understand what Peaking Lights is talking about.
“Breakdown” is the first single released off the new album. The song could be described as Island funk with elements of pop, funk and reggae. The musical composition of this song is so unique and refreshing. The lyrics are also very well written, speaking of wanting to break free from the things that are holding you back and becoming the person you want to be. The heavy reggae influence also shows up in "Little Light," making it similar to "Breakdown."
“Infinite Trips” is another song in which the duo blends different genres of music to create something superb. This track starts off with a West Coast surf pop sound. As the song progresses, Peaking Lights fuse the surf pop elements with their well-known psychedelic sound. This song is relaxing and laid back, perfect for a summer car ride down the coast.
However, some songs on the album are pretty unusual. In “Everyone and Us” Peaking Lights sing “Said the monkey to the man/ Take my hand / I’ll steal your hand.” “Telephone Call” hears lines like “Telephone call/ Telephone call from space/ Calling all/ calling the human race.” Peaking Lights’ lyrics are very obscure and strange in many of the songs, which sound like the husband and wife may have been under some influences while writing them.
Another critique of the album is Peaking Lights’ somewhat lackluster vocal talents. The female lead has no range, singing every song in the same key in the same way; she adds no runs or rifts to the songs. There is nothing special to her voice. With that being said, Cosmic Logic is nonetheless a quality album with appealing aspects for a wide audience.
