A pastiche of post-rock, chamber-pop and contemporary classical composition, the self-titled debut album is strongly influenced by Ludwig-Leone's background in classical music, which includes a job assisting composer/arranger Nico Muhly.
After finishing his musical studies at Yale, Ludwig-Leone wrote the album in six weeks while holed up in a studio on the mountainous border between Alberta and British Columbia. He focused on lifeʼs top-shelf issues – youth, nostalgia, anxiety, unrequited love – and tied these vast themes to different characters through vocal contributions from longtime friend Allen Tate, as well as Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius.
The first track released from the album, Sonsick, tackles many of these larger themes head-on. ”It’s like a panic attack disguised as a birthday party,” Ludwig-Leone says. ”I realized that the most intense moments are the ones in which conflicting emotional worlds exist inside you, equally, at once.”
San Fermin is not an album of singles but rather a sweeping, full-bodied listen with multiple distinct peaks and ambitious thematic connections. Ludwig-Leone composed all of the album’s arrangements and lyrics in full prior to collaborating and recording, noting that “writing for a large group of unknown musicians infused the writing process with a kind of operatic scope.
Since then, the band has coalesced into a core of eight members in addition to Ludwig-Leone: Allen Tate and Rae Cassidy, lead vocals; Eliza Bagg and Rebekah Durham, vocals/violin; John Brandon, trumpet; Stephen Chen, saxophone; Tyler McDiarmid, guitar; and Mike Hanf, drums.
Altogether Changed
San Fermin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am altogether changed
Altogether changed
Altogether changed
I am altogether changed
Altogether changed
Altogether changed
I am altogether changed
Altogether changed
Altogether changed
I am altogether changed
Altogether changed
Altogether changed
The repetitive chorus of "Altogether Changed" by San Fermin suggests a profound shift in the singer's identity. The use of the phrase "altogether" emphasizes this transformation as a complete and absolute overhaul. The repetition of "changed" reinforces the idea that this is not a temporary or superficial shift, but rather a permanent and profound one.
The verses of the song offer insight into what may have inspired this change. The singer describes a sense of self-doubt and confusion, feeling lost in their own identity. They reference a "saintly inclination" and a desire to be better than they were before. This suggests a spiritual or moral awakening, as the singer tries to reconcile their past self with their transformed identity.
Overall, "Altogether Changed" explores themes of transformation, self-discovery, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The repetitive chorus and introspective verses create a hypnotic and introspective atmosphere that invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys of personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
I am altogether changed
I have undergone a significant transformation or shift in my personality, beliefs, or behavior.
Altogether changed
Completely and entirely transformed, no longer resembling the person I used to be.
Altogether changed
All aspects of my life have been altered and I no longer fit into the same mold as before.
Altogether changed
A total metamorphosis that has affected my relationships, choices, and outlook on life.
I am altogether changed
Emphasizing the personal nature of this transformation, which has impacted my own identity and sense of self.
Altogether changed
Indicating that this change is more than just a temporary or superficial alteration, but a profound and lasting one.
Altogether changed
Acknowledging that while the process of change may have been difficult, the end result is one of growth and evolution.
I am altogether changed
Repeating the opening line as a final declaration of this newfound sense of self.
Contributed by Hudson E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.