Saintseneca’s dramatic third album Such Things has 15 tracks that are all unique in their own right, but stand together as a cohesive effort. The band uses a wide range of instruments to create a weaving and ethereal album full of hidden gems. After achieving commercial success for their sophomore album Dark Arc, the group from Columbus, Ohio, have expanded their sound and deepened the texture to explore new territory.
Lead singer Zac Little plays many instruments throughout the record, including the mandolin, baritone ukulele, domra and bouzouki, but the most prominent by far is the sitar. The traditional Indian instrument brightens up songs with its tinkling emphasis and elevates the indie folk vibe with an eclectic twinge.
Little’s warbling vocals can be hard to understand but, on a second listen, the lyrics deepen the effect of each track. On “Bad Ideas” Little sings, “Ah this descent to doom and gloom/ Set before a tune for two/ This last waltz is all/ These two left feet of mine could ever recall.” Even without the words, tracks like “Bad Ideas” are strong musically.
“House Divided” is an aching 97-second song that comes just before the finale. Little’s voice, accompanied by only a subtle electric guitar, glides between octaves, letting the soothingly melancholy tones lead into the final track. Such Things ends with a jam session of international instruments on “Maya 31” that crescendos before dwindling down to just the sitar drifting into silence—a fitting end for an equally bold and delicate album.
Grade: B+
