Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore's Collaborative Album Weaves Tragic Magic
Los Angeles-based composers Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore have spent years perfecting their musical chemistry, which is now on full display in their debut collaborative album, Tragic Magic. This immersive set of new age and ambient tracks was born out of a series of impromptu improvisations in Paris, where the pair's telepathic connection is evident in every note.
The album's dreamy haze is infused with tragedy and hope, having been written shortly after last year's California wildfires that ravaged the region. This somber context gives way to beautiful, lullaby-like melodies, as seen in opener Perpetual Adoration, which features delicate harp loops and hushed whispers. The song's staccato melody and Barwick's yearning high register convey a quiet desperation, while her lyrics remain indiscernible, blurring into texture and shapeless whispers that teem with feeling.
The duo's spartan arrangements allow each instrument to shine, particularly Lattimore's harp, which is given ample room to soar. Tracks like Rachel's Song from Blade Runner showcase the pair's ability to reach epic heights, while songs like Stardust feature soaring synths and celestial harmonies that are bolstered by a drum kick for added pop sensibilities.
However, it's in the album's more stripped-back moments that Tragic Magic truly comes alive. The 9-minute closer Melted Moon is a masterclass in emotional restraint, with lingering emotion hanging in the air where fullness doesn't. This delicate balance between intimacy and expansiveness is a hallmark of the duo's work.
Tragic Magic is a testament to Barwick and Lattimore's musical telepathy, weaving together threads of hope and tragedy into an otherworldly soundscape that lingers long after the final note fades away.
Los Angeles-based composers Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore have spent years perfecting their musical chemistry, which is now on full display in their debut collaborative album, Tragic Magic. This immersive set of new age and ambient tracks was born out of a series of impromptu improvisations in Paris, where the pair's telepathic connection is evident in every note.
The album's dreamy haze is infused with tragedy and hope, having been written shortly after last year's California wildfires that ravaged the region. This somber context gives way to beautiful, lullaby-like melodies, as seen in opener Perpetual Adoration, which features delicate harp loops and hushed whispers. The song's staccato melody and Barwick's yearning high register convey a quiet desperation, while her lyrics remain indiscernible, blurring into texture and shapeless whispers that teem with feeling.
The duo's spartan arrangements allow each instrument to shine, particularly Lattimore's harp, which is given ample room to soar. Tracks like Rachel's Song from Blade Runner showcase the pair's ability to reach epic heights, while songs like Stardust feature soaring synths and celestial harmonies that are bolstered by a drum kick for added pop sensibilities.
However, it's in the album's more stripped-back moments that Tragic Magic truly comes alive. The 9-minute closer Melted Moon is a masterclass in emotional restraint, with lingering emotion hanging in the air where fullness doesn't. This delicate balance between intimacy and expansiveness is a hallmark of the duo's work.
Tragic Magic is a testament to Barwick and Lattimore's musical telepathy, weaving together threads of hope and tragedy into an otherworldly soundscape that lingers long after the final note fades away.
. The layout keeps changing and it feels like they're trying to push ads all over the place. Can't we just have a clean and simple design for once? 
I swear, every time I try to find a thread, there's some obnoxious banner or pop-up that gets in my way. And don't even get me started on the search function... it's like they're trying to make it impossible to find what we're looking for. 
Just give us back our old interface, I beg of you! 
I'm loving this album so much! Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore are like two peas in a pod, you can tell they have this crazy deep connection. The way their instruments just blend together is like magic 
. I love how it's all very ambient and new age-y, but at the same time, there's this sense of longing and hope that's really beautiful 
. And that harp playing by Lattimore? 
It gives me chills every time! The song "Rachel's Song from Blade Runner" is my fave so far - it's like they're speaking a different language or something 
.
. And have you heard Mary Lattimore's harp work? Girl can play 
! The way she weaves it into these epic soundscapes is straight fire 
. Don't get me wrong, some of the tracks might be a bit mellow, but that's what makes 'em so perfect for chillin' or just relaxin'... Trust me, this album's got it all 
and the harp player Mary is literally angels sent from above 
anyway, i love how they kept it super simple and let each instrument shine, like a musical game of musical chairs but better because there's music 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's all very pretty and atmospheric, but to me it just feels like a bunch of soothing background noise 
. I'd rather listen to some good old-fashioned noise rock any day 
. And what's with all these 'tragic' themes? It feels like they're trying too hard to be sad and introspective 
. Can't we just have an album that's actually happy for once?! 
And that closer Melted Moon? Mind. Blown. 
]
I love how these two artists have taken their connection to create something truly special! Julianna Barwick's voice is so hauntingly beautiful, it gives me chills every time 
. I also love how sparse the arrangements are, it lets each instrument shine in its own way 
. And that final track "Melted Moon" 
... it's just pure magic 
Mary Lattimore is a genius with strings. The way Tragic Magic balances intimacy and expansiveness is just perfect, it's like they're taking you on this emotional rollercoaster and refusing to let go. I've been listening to it nonstop since it dropped and I'm still discovering new things to love about it... 
and I'm totally obsessed with their vending machine culture right now. Have you ever tried a hot ramen in a vending machine? It's a game changer! The convenience is insane, but also kinda weird when you're eating noodles out of a machine that dispenses everything from soda to underwear 
. Anyway, back to music... I love how this album makes me feel like I'm floating on air 
. I mean, I love how they've infused some dark vibes from those wildfires in California... it's like they're channeling the sadness into music 
.
.
. Maybe when I'm in a more mellow mood?
. I love how each instrument gets its own space to shine, especially Mary's harp - she's a total genius 
. This album is more than just music, it's an experience - it makes me want to keep exploring and find hope in life 
- The Veteran Voice 
. It's always something new-agey or ambient, and I'm just not feeling it. Like, can't we talk about some real music for once? 
trust me u need 2 c this album ASAP its like nothin u ever heard b4 
. It's like they're trying to make everything sound super poetic and artsy, but honestly it just reads like a laundry list of adjectives 
! Their music is like a warm hug for your soul - it's so soothing, yet still carries this sense of longing and hope. The way they've woven together their styles to create this unique sound is truly magical