‘Everything Is Temporary’ thickens the narrative a little bit deeper with complex layers of emotions and sentiments that Worldview sought to achieve. With the heart and brain of Oliver Shaw, this album aspires through the realms of change, loss and ephemerality in the rhythm of rock, pop and folk. Ranging from rock, pop and folk, each song encapsulates a story and together creates a seamless saga of varying musical nuances. Here’s an overview of the songs in the album. The introductory song of the album, “Can’t Come Back From That”, sets the stage beautifully with sad strands of acoustic guitar blended with electronica in the background. The melancholy tone portrayed through the song is a contemplation of decisions that tell us not to look back.
There’s a persistent shade of loss embedded within “Chance Is Gone (Gatsby)” which evokes feelings of nostalgia. The orchestral chords are a tribute to dreams we tend to stray away from, as much as the book it takes its name after. Shaw’s narrative artistry ever so elegantly pops out in “We Walk Among You”. The lyrical depth of wanting and feeling estranged speaks a much deeper essence that coveys loss blending perfectly with an embellished melody. “In the Shop” sounds peculiar with its fusion of vintage folk sound and ambient modern notes. It’s a rather reflective song that garners a similar experience with striking musical reminiscence. The feel of “The Exceptions” transitions through melancholy and deep sadness and then shifts to existentialism with violin resonating throughout the track while questioning the burdensome nature of existence. There is an enchanting quality in “An Incantation”, thanks to the mesmerizing vocals and atmospheric sound design. It is a piece that allows you to take a moment and contemplate. The lyrics are honest and the aggression attached to the song with the heaviness of guitars portrays “This House” as more than just a song, but rather an embodiment of memories, inseparable from the singer. “Artifacts & Heirlooms” is one of the tracks on the album that has an ever-lasting effect due to the striking use of uilleann pipes which evokes a potent sense of nostalgia.
https://worldview.bandcamp.com/album/everything-is-temporary?from=embed
One can call “A Force Of Nature” an empowering song, with its rousing vocals and powerful arrangement. It comes off more as a celebration of one’s innate strength. As the name suggests, “Simpler Times” brings an aching halt that unconventionally looks back at the past. The light acoustic setting compliments the more honest lyrics of the song. In a sense “Here Until You’re Not” speaks about the bitter sweetness of life, being more of an epilogue to the subject of the preceding song. The somber song acts as a reminder of the more sobering subject, which people try to veer away from, the impermanence of life. Through ‘Everything Is Temporary’, Oliver Shaw has managed to craft a record that captures the duality of a soulful inner reflection as well as a more vigorous sound. It impressively blends innovation with consciousness, which, alongside Shaw’s musical diversity, allows for the record to be a compelling listen.
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