Lefuturewave
Lefuturewave is a music blog based in the Netherlands. We feature emerging as well as established artists.
San Francisco Bay Area composer, producer, and musician Dren McDonald hasn’t been idle and is releasing his stunning new album, Vox Pterous (both words derive from Latin: vox = “voice” and pterous = “with wings”). A record packed full of pure details that take artistry to another level. Nothing feels accidental. Even when it sometimes leans towards minimalism. That’s precisely where the sharpness lies.
Looking at the album’s background, there’s much emotion behind it. It was clearly born out of grief. As McDonald wrote during those sessions, “sometimes the only way to work through grief like that is to make something.” And he’s right. There really isn’t much more you can add to that.
Vox Pterous consists of 6 beautiful tunes. Anchors Up, featuring singer Amelie Anna, opens the album. It sets the tone right away with pinpoint exactness: “Drawing little circles, drawing little circles rise and fall / Pulling in the anchor, pulling up and anchors away.” Resting of Light follows and feels captivating due to the interplay between the vocals of Amelie Anna and Carla Kihlstedt. They’re supported by primarily smooth guitar work. I interpret the lyrics as being about someone is distant but present nonetheless.
Aviator Eyes, alongside artists Girl Swallows Nightingale and Paula Frazer, takes you deeper into Mcdonald’s creative world and quickly stands out due to the way the complex layering still appears simple. Its lyrics address loneliness, observation, and the feeling of being cut off from the world around you. In The Things He Could Bury, featuring Amelie Anna and Girl Swallows Nightingale, themes such as communication and the things that remain hidden beneath the surface are explored. Surrounding it is a soundscape consisting of moody instrumentation.
She’s The Sky, with Lily Bloom and Daria Novo, points out the energy you feel when you’re close to people you get along with. References to friends, galleries, conversations, and shared moments give the song a social character. The final tune, Fading, which also features Sophia James, touches on change, loss, and the gradual disappearance of something that once felt permanent. The production here is immersive without actually trying to be. I find that so impressive.
In summary, Vox Pterous has more than enough to offer. McDonald really tried to make it worthwhile. It’ll benefit your ears. Believe me. The way songwriting and sound come together throughout this record is virtually perfect.
Start listening below!
Lefuturewave is a music blog based in the Netherlands. We feature emerging as well as established artists.
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