I have to imagine that after a long therapy session, Majical Cloudz’s singer and songwriter Devon Walsh was told to look for constructive ways to deal with issues of his past, and the duo’s new album Impersonator was the result. The album takes a minimalist electronic sound, light strings and percussion, and applies deeply personal lyrics to create sweet but haunting melodies. “Childhood’s End” is one of several gems on the album that combines just a few basic elements to form one of those tracks that you continue to think about long after it has finished, with each revisit peeling back another layer.
With a dreamy electronic flow and somber lyricism, “Childhood’s End” is a reflective narrative recalling an end of innocence, and the confusion and struggle that come with it. Walsh recounts a violent death, the loss of a friend, and a downward spiral, all ending in childlike call for help to create an ambiguous, stream-of-consciousness style story. An intense live performance of the track at a private concert attended by seasoned critics reportedly brought at least one audience member to tears.
The group’s timeless quality and clear but detached vocals are reminiscent of The National, but with a greater electronic emphasis and slightly less vocal bass. Despite (or maybe to the credit of) the group’s minimalist style, Impersonator boasts original and distinct tracks, each telling their own story and instilling a new feel. After only a few prior electronic-heavy releases, Walsh and his producer have unearthed the vocals previously buried under synth and diluted the music to the point that it supplements Walsh’s performance instead of the other way around.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming full album review of Impersonator, and if you’re in Madison, join us in seeing Majical Cloudz live at the Majestic Theatre this Thursday.