Light, Dark, Light Again

Last updated

Light, Dark, Light Again
Light, Dark, Light Again by Angie McMahon.png
Studio album by
Angie McMahon
Released27 October 2023 (2023-10-27)
Length49:45
Label
Producer
Angie McMahon chronology
Piano Salt
(2020)		Light, Dark, Light Again
(2023)
Singles from Light, Dark, Light Again
  1. "Saturn Returning"
    Released: 9 June 2023
  2. "Letting Go"
    Released: 12 July 2023
  3. "Fireball Whiskey"
    Released: 25 August 2023
  4. "Exploding"
    Released: 22 September 2023
  5. "Making it Through"
    Released: 27 October 2023

Light, Dark, Light Again is the second studio album by Australian singer-songwriter Angie McMahon. The album was announced on Triple J on 12 July 2023 [1] and released on 27 October 2023.

Contents

At the 2023 J Awards, the album was nominated for Australian Album of the Year. [2]

The album was nominated for the 2023 Australian Music Prize. [3] The album won Best Album at the 2024 Music Victoria Awards. [4] [5]

At the 2024 ARIA Music Awards, the album was nominated for Album of the Year, Best Rock Album and for McMahon, Best Solo Artist. [6] The album won Best Independent Release.

Recording

Light, Dark, Light Again was recorded between Melbourne, Australia and Durham, USA with producers Brad Cook, Alex O'Gorman and Bonnie Knight. [7]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
The AU Review Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [8]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]

Zoë Radas from Stack Magazine wrote that "As its title suggests, Light, Dark, Light Again considers dualities. But it's the movement between those positions – the undulations and the way states return to a former shape before changing again – which Angie McMahon finds fascinating" further adding "McMahon rarely sings static statements like 'I am this' or 'it is that', but communicates the constant evolution and progression of things with phrases like 'I am learning to', 'I hope I continue to'". Radas named 'Mother Nature' as the album "stand out". [10]

Jules LeFevre from The Sydney Morning Herald felt that "Where Salt was pared back, Light, Dark, Light Again is expansive and cinematic: harmonies ricochet atop thundering drums, guitars build into walls of sound, and Angie's voice stretches powerfully outwards." [11]

Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen from The Guardian said, "As its title suggests, Light, Dark, Light Again moves through emotional and sonic worlds both gentle and heavy, always returning to the former." She added: "This beautiful, soothing record shows McMahon's skills not only as a songwriter and storyteller but as a wise guide for the busy and anxious modern mind." [9]

Mary Varvaris from The Music stated that "McMahon sings and writes about universal concepts, such as heartbreak, depression, accountability, and anxiety. And on the highly anticipated, rewarding follow-up to her 2019 debut album, Salt, McMahon tackles those experiences like nobody else." They ended their review saying "Light, Dark, Light Again isn't exactly a happy album, but for those who connect with McMahon's authentic storytelling and messages, it might just feel like the soothing hug you need right now." [12]

Mikey Cahill from NME called it a "cathartic and exhilarating second album". [13]

In a five-star review, Dylan Marshall from The AU Review said "A step up in production and vibe from her last album, McMahon placed an emphasis on creating songs that are warm, cosmic and vast in their content, volume and vibe." Marshall called the album "something special" and said "Light, Dark, Light Again is an album of growth, confidence and acceptance. It will go down as one for the ages." [8]

In the week of release, it was Triple J's feature album of the week, with the station saying, "Bubbling with cinematic indie rock, raw and empowering lyrics, this is a record that sees Angie stepping out from the past and embracing her fears; using them as a journey to a bigger, brighter future." [14]

Track listing

Light, Dark, Light Again track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Saturn Returning"McMahon2:47
2."Fireball Whiskey"McMahon3:29
3."Fish"McMahon4:33
4."Letting Go"McMahon3:30
5."Divine Fault Line"McMahon, Emma Louise Lobb 4:18
6."Mother Nature"McMahon2:41
7."Black Eye"McMahon3:43
8."Exploding"McMahon, Jennifer Decilveo 4:01
9."I Am Already Enough"McMahon, Meg Duffy2:58
10."Serotonin"McMahon4:19
11."Staying Down Low"McMahon, Olivia Hally, Lachlan O'Kane4:37
12."Music's Coming In"McMahon, Hannah McKittrick4:07
13."Making It Through"McMahon4:42
Total length:49:45

Charts

Chart performance for Light, Dark, Light Again
Chart (2023)Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA) [15] 6

Awards and nominations

Awards and nominations for Light, Dark, Light Again
AwardYearCategoryResultRef.
J Awards 2023 Australian Album of the Year Nominated [2]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christine Anu</span> Australian pop singer and actress (born 1970)

Christine Anu is an Australian singer-songwriter and actress of Torres Strait Islander origin. She gained popularity with the cover song release of the Warumpi Band's song "My Island Home" in 1995. Anu has been nominated for many ARIA Awards, winning several, as well as five Deadly Awards, among others. In August 2024 she released a new album and single of the same name, Waku: Minaral a Minalay.

<i>Atlas</i> (Parkway Drive album) 2012 studio album by Parkway Drive

Atlas is the fourth studio album by Australian metalcore band Parkway Drive. It was recorded in Los Angeles, California, and released on 26 October 2012 through Resist and Epitaph Records. The album was produced by Matt Hyde.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cub Sport</span> Australian pop group

Cub Sport are an Australian pop group formed in Brisbane in early 2010. Founding mainstays are Zoe Davis on keyboards, bass guitar, lead guitar and vocals, Tim Nelson on lead vocals and keyboards, Sam "Bolan" Netterfield on keyboards and vocals, and Dan Puusaari on drums. They have released five studio albums, This Is Our Vice (2016), Bats (2017), Cub Sport (2019), Like Nirvana (2020) and Jesus at the Gay Bar (2023). Jesus at the Gay Bar peaked at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart, Like Nirvana reached number two and Cub Sport appeared at number twelve. Nelson and Netterfield married in August 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holy Holy (Australian band)</span> Australian indie rock band

Holy Holy are an Australian indie rock band formed by songwriters Timothy Carroll and Oscar Dawson (guitar) in 2011. The pair were later joined by touring musicians Ryan Strathie (drums), Graham Ritchie and Matt Redlich. They have released four top-20 studio albums and have been nominated for two ARIA Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julia Jacklin</span> Australian singer-songwriter

Julia Jacklin is an Australian singer-songwriter from the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales. Jacklin's musical style has been described as indie pop, indie folk, and alternative country. She has released three studio albums, Don't Let the Kids Win (2016), Crushing (2019) and Pre Pleasure (2022). Jacklin has also performed with the band Phantastic Ferniture, with whom she released the debut single "Fuckin 'n' Rollin" and a self-titled album in 2018, followed by subsequent singles.

A.B. Original is an Australian hip hop duo made up of Indigenous Australian rappers Briggs and record producer Trials. A.B. Original stands for Always Black, Original. Both members are Indigenous Australians; Briggs is a Yorta Yorta man and Trials is Ngarrindjeri. Their music is overtly political and has been described as "angry, polemical, brutally frank and meant to inspire a response, good or bad".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Middle Kids</span> Australian indie rock band

Middle Kids are an Australian alternative indie rock band from Sydney. The group consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Hannah Joy, bass guitarist Tim Fitz, and drummer Harry Day. Since forming in 2016, the band has released their eponymous debut EP (2017), the album Lost Friends (2018), the New Songs for Old Problems EP (2019), and their second studio album, Today We're the Greatest (2021). In February 2024, they released their third album, Faith Crisis Pt 1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angie McMahon</span> Australian singer-songwriter

Angie McMahon is an Australian singer-songwriter and musician from Melbourne, Victoria. She released her debut studio album Salt in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slow Mover</span> 2017 single by Angie McMahon

"Slow Mover" is a song written and performed by Australian singer Angie McMahon. The song was released in October 2017 as McMahon's debut single and lead from her debut studio album Salt (2019). The song was certified gold in Australia in 2019 and platinum in 2021.

<i>Salt</i> (Angie McMahon album) 2019 studio album by Angie McMahon

Salt is the debut studio album by Australian singer-songwriter Angie McMahon. The album was released in July 2019. The album will be supported by an national tour in October 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amyl and the Sniffers</span> Australian pub rock and classic punk band

Amyl and the Sniffers are an Australian pub rock band based in Melbourne, consisting of vocalist Amy Taylor ("Amyl"), drummer Bryce Wilson, guitarist Declan Mehrtens, and bassist Gus Romer. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2019. It was followed by Comfort to Me and Cartoon Darkness, in 2021 and 2024, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pasta (song)</span> 2019 single by Angie McMahon

"Pasta" is a song written and performed by Australian singer Angie McMahon. The song was released in March 2019 as the fourth single from McMahon's debut studio album Salt (2019). The song was certified gold in Australia in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tasman Keith</span> Australian rapper

Tasman Keith is an Australian rapper and singer-songwriter.

Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes are an alt-country music group from Melbourne, Australia. The group received attention in their home country for debut album Ballad of a Young Married Man, released in 2009 through Sydney record label Select Global before briefly disbanding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King Stingray</span> Australian rock band

King Stingray is an Australian rock band from Northeast Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. With a sound self-described as "Yolŋu surf rock", the band perform songs with lyrics in both English and Yolŋu Matha. King Stingray released their debut single, "Hey Wanhaka", in October 2020, and their self-titled debut album on 5 August 2022.

<i>I Love You</i> (Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers album) 2023 debut studio album

I Love You is the debut studio album by Australian rock band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, released on 6 October 2023 through Domestic La La. Produced by Oscar Dawson, the record marks a sonic departure from their previous work, "balancing bubblegum pop, ear-bashing rock and thunderous punk". Upon release, I Love You peaked at number 6 on the ARIA Albums Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lookin' Out</span> 2023 single by King Stingray

"Lookin' Out" is a song by Australian rock group King Stingray, which was released on 26 June 2023. It is the lead single for the band's second studio album, For the Dreams (2024).

<i>The Deluge</i> (Fanning Dempsey National Park album) 2024 studio album by Fanning Dempsey National Park

The Deluge is the debut studio album by Australian duo Bernard Fanning and Paul Dempsey credited as Fanning Dempsey National Park. The album was released on 2 August 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Belair Lip Bombs</span> Australian indie rock band

The Belair Lip Bombs are an Australian indie rock band formed in Frankston, Victoria in 2017. The group consists of lead vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Maisie Everett, guitarist Mike Bradvica, bassist Jimmy Droughton and drummer Daniel Devlin. They have released two extended plays and issued their debut studio album, Lush Life, in August 2023.

References

  1. ↑ Varvaris, Mary (12 July 2023). "Angie McMahon Announces Two Special Australian Headline Shows". The Music . Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  2. 1 2 "Check out all the nominees for the 2023 J Awards". Australian Broadcasting Corporation . 1 November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  3. ↑ Brandle, Lars (28 November 2023). "Troye Sivan Shortlisted for 2023 Australian Music Prize". Billboard . Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  4. ↑ "G Flip, Hiatus Kaiyote, Ninajirachi Dominate Music Victoria Awards Nominations". The Music. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  5. ↑ "Music Victoria awards rocked by voter hack with new winners announced". Australian Broadcasting Corporation . 28 November 2024. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  6. ↑ "ARIA Awards 2024 nominations — everything you need to know". Australian Broadcasting Corporation . 26 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  7. ↑ "The Rebirth of Angie McMahon". Rolling Stone Australia . 25 August 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  8. 1 2 "Album Review: Angie McMahon – Light, Dark, Light Again (2023 LP)". The AU Review . 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  9. 1 2 "Angie McMahon: Light, Dark, Light Again review – delicate album packs an emotional punch". The Guardian . 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  10. ↑ Zoë Radas (24 October 2023). ""You never stop learning, and you know nothing": Angie McMahon on her second LP". JB Hi-Fi . Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  11. ↑ Jules LeFevre (14 October 2023). "Why one of Australia's most in-demand singers felt like a 'failure'". The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  12. ↑ "Album Review: Angie McMahon - 'Light, Dark, Light Again'". The Music . 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  13. ↑ "Angie McMahon is ready to heal". NME . 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  14. ↑ "Angie McMahon - Light, Dark, Light Again". Australian Broadcasting Corporation . 30 October 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  15. ↑ "Australiancharts.com – Angie McMahon – Light, Dark, Light Again". Hung Medien. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.