Whether borrowing from no wave or exploring her Somali roots, the music of
Cold Specks'
Al Spx has never been less than daring. After experiencing a mental health crisis following the release of
Fool's Paradise, she challenged herself to turn some of her most difficult times into extraordinary expressions of a pain that is all too relatable.
Light for the Midnight revisits the haunting simplicity of
I Predict a Graceful Explusion, letting her timeless blend of soul, folk, gospel, and blues ring out in surroundings that are as elegant as they are expressive. Fortified by
Adrian Utley and
Ali Chant's co-production as well as string arrangements by
Owen Pallett, the album is at once more direct and fuller-sounding than
Cold Specks' previous work. As she looks back on unforgettably hard times on "How It Feels," the brass and strings supporting
Spx may be polished, but they bring out every bit of grit and vulnerability in her voice. Likewise, the clarity of her songwriting gives her deeply felt emotions a universal quality that remains completely genuine. When she begs "What does it mean to be at peace?/Tell me, tell me, tell me please" on the aching "Wandering in the Wild" or confronts deep-seated fears on "Lingering Ghosts," the soulfulness she's always had at her command reaches transcendent heights. Though she's never afraid to be painfully honest with herself (as on "Venus in Pisces"' bitterly twangy reflections on self-destructive romance) or others (as on "Cold Goodbye"'s percolating recriminations), the empathetic warmth that grounds every song makes
Light for the Midnight a treasure. By the time she brings the album to a close with the deeply felt pleas of "Curse Away" and weary yet hopeful "Closer,"
Spx has taken listeners on a complete -- and completely inspiring -- journey of transformation and resilience. ~ Heather Phares
