Posted on 05/07/2008 5:08 PM
Okay, we get it! Naming your album Lighter Subjects when its context revolves around some of the most difficult elements of life (love, loss, etc) is kinda clever. Kinda. But still, we have to be able to digest it. Costa Music (aka Joseph Costa), seems dedicated to clever ideas, and for our sake, this diligence crosses over to his music as well. Expansive structure and intelligent use of a range of instruments, creates a sweeping album with colossal moments of clarity, but moments of equivalent boredom, that when cobbled together make for an album that is digestible, but at times weaker than one would hope.

Mixing electronic, folk, and chamber music can present a hindrance in the captivation department, unless it is done in such a way that builds tension while not inundating us with spastic moments of inspiration. Flaunting your pro tools library is not the key. Still, we want to be surprised; mesmerized by the placement of tubular bell juxtaposed to yawning violin. Costa seems trapped between wanting to give it all to us, but not wanting to overwhelm us, yet his execution leaves his tracks with a beautiful sampling, but no girth. Buffets are for gorging, no matter what anyone says, but they have to be well placed. Clearly its a difficult line to toe, but Costa comes impressively close on "Canary Landscape", which builds like a dream that makes perfect sense. The track twinkles as well as flutters and presents interesting imagery to help ground the song along with the weight of the words. "Lack Of Lights" and "The Long Passing" follow in this mentality, but where these songs succeed, the rest of the album falters in consistency. "Sounds Like a Sigh" has a beat that fights its melody, which makes Costa's vocals stick out awkwardly, and "Feathers" starts with the best intention, but gets blocked by a lull that creates an uncomfortable progression.

Musical consistency is a doozie. Its rather challenging to take a good idea, and stretch it over an album, let alone over a career, while also being innovative. Costa Music attempts such a task, and creates some really impressive moments, yet drops in too many places to ignore. While it is merit is won through the clever backdrops, the missing pieces cut the weight of Lighter Subjects.

- Eavvon O'Neal