Anathallo utilized a wide variety of instruments, including horns, guitars, drums, piano, bells, and even unconventional objects like chains, velcro strips, stomp boxes, and pipes. The band released several recordings through Selah Records, a vinyl release through Potential Getaway Driver, as well as completely independent releases. Their UK distributed release, Four: A Great Wind More Ash, was released by Big Scary Monster (BSM) in 2008
Members:
Matt Joynt - Vocals, Guitar, Auxiliary Percussion, Piano
Andrew Dost - Piano, Flugelhorn, Auxiliary Percussion, Vocals
Bret Wallin - Trombone, Auxiliary Percussion, Vocals
Danny Bracken - Guitar, Auxiliary Percussion, Vocals
Seth Walker - Bass, Vocals
Jeremiah Johnson- Drums, Vocals
Erica Froman - Vocals, Auxiliary Percussion, Clarinet, Autoharp
Joel Thiele - Drums, Percussion
Northern lights
Anathallo Lyrics
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Wrap me back into the womb.
The first thought is fear, and brother, it emits a crippling bend.
A shame you can't know that you carry until you've seen it offered down.
Watching shielded in the silence, shielded in the knowledge that has no use for language.
Standing on the lawn at a distance.
Watching shielded in the silence, shielded in the knowledge that has no use for language.
Standing on the lawn until you wish to be crushed in its collisions.
The lyrics of Anathallo's song "Northern Lights" describe a scene where a person returns in silence, wrapped in a blanket, cutting through the air above the tundra like a paper cut. The singer receives a call from their neighbors to witness this strange arrival. The first thought that comes to mind is fear, which is described as emitting a crippling bend. The lyrics suggest that there is shame in not being able to recognize the weight one carries until it is offered down. The singer observes in silence, shielded from language by the knowledge they possess, standing on the lawn at a distance. They remain there until they feel consumed by the force of the collision happening in front of them.
The song seems to explore themes of death, rebirth, and transformation, which are encapsulated by the imagery of the northern lights, which are beautiful but also carry a sense of mystery and awe. The person wrapped in the blanket can be interpreted as a symbol of transformation or rebirth, a journey that is both beautiful and terrifying. The singer's silent observation suggests a sense of respect for the mystery of life, as well as a recognition that some experiences are beyond language.
Overall, "Northern Lights" is a beautiful and haunting song that invites the listener to contemplate the mysteries of life and death, the power of transformation, and the importance of silence and observation in the face of profound experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
You paper cut the air above the tundra when you came back in silence, in sheets, and the neighbors called me up out of my sleep to watch you unfold the blanket.
Your return was abrupt and hushed - a small disturbance in the vast, open landscape. I was awoken to witness your unfolding of something significant.
Wrap me back into the womb.
I long to return to a place of safety and security, where I was once shielded from harm.
The first thought is fear, and brother, it emits a crippling bend.
Fear is the initial response to the unknown, and it can be so strong that it can paralyze us.
A shame you can't know that you carry until you've seen it offered down.
It's unfortunate that sometimes we aren't aware of the burdens we carry until they are passed on to us by others.
Watching shielded in the silence, shielded in the knowledge that has no use for language.
Observing from a place of stillness and wisdom, unaffected by the limitations of words.
Standing on the lawn at a distance.
Being present, but at a safe distance from the things that challenge us.
Watching shielded in the silence, shielded in the knowledge that has no use for language.
Observing from a place of stillness and wisdom, unaffected by the limitations of words.
Standing on the lawn until you wish to be crushed in its collisions.
Staying in a place of relative safety, even though part of you may long for the chaos and passion of life.
You paper cut the air above the tundra when you came back in silence, in sheets and the neighbors called me up.
Your return was abrupt and hushed - a small disturbance in the vast, open landscape. Others also noticed and were affected by it.
Contributed by Emma J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.