Set for release on 15th November, Splendid Beast, Weathership’s debut album, already intrigues me. Their exploration of human duality is a must-hear. Review.
SPLENDID BEAST – WEATHERSHIP
The dreamy opener, Golden Age, evokes vastness and infinity—whether on a human scale facing nature, or the galactic scale when facing literal space. It’s beautiful, terrifying, and yet, utterly captivating. This is how Weathership begins the well-titled Splendid Beast, and it’s a clear signal of what the band aims to bring into their audience’s mind with this album. The duality of human nature is at the core of the record. Humanity is made of love and fear, two forces that cannot exist without each other. So the British band dives deeply into this concept with kindness and honesty.
Next, they lead us into The Blue, a deep and mysterious plunge into the ocean, both comforting and fascinating. Emerging to the surface—or nearly so—we drift with Through The Fog. It seems like the fog really appears in front of us. New Occupation continues the deliberate hypnosis with its tender, round melodies. With Just A Ghost, Weathership solidify their theme. A ghost embodies the duality they’re exploring: a loved one we long to see again, or a haunting shadow that unsettles us, the entity perfectly represents this idea. This track carries a deep spirituality over soft rock riffs and oddly comforting vocals.
More contemplative and layered with intoxicating electric soundscapes, Electrolung shifts the tone. The breath here is different—more melancholic, yet never fully pessimistic. The hypnotic melody of Lost At Sea, followed by the ethereal tones of The Swimmer, both seem to indicate the conclusion of the narrative. Weathership closes Splendid Beast with For The Dark Is Beautiful, and the light they find in it is deeply moving—a perfect conclusion. This is the kind of album that soothes the soul, no matter your mood. It recentres and refocuses, calms and motivates. And for that, it’s a wonderful debut!
