Recovering from burnout is a slow but strange experience. One minute all you want to do is lie on the sofa and watch mind numbing content. The next you feel energised enough to do about eight hours worth of work in half an hour. One thing that has helped me with burnout recovery is discovering new artists and reviewing their content again.
The latest one is from PANTHALASSAN, this is a solo project that was started by Jake Wright; former guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of the Calgary-based bands VIATHYN and RAVENOUS. Panthalassan is Greek meaning “all seas” or Superocean, which is the body of sea-water that surrounds planet Earth. This album has themes that, like all seas, surround planet Earth; let me explain.
The album wastes lures us in with the opening track Lowstand Levithan. This track is very intriguing and it keeps you on your toes. It somewhat emulates how the mind is when it is going through dissociation. It’s also memorable in its own unique way.
Remember I said this album has themes that surround Planet Earth? I am talking about mental health themes. Each track is incredibly interesting in their own way. They each have a way of keeping your full attention, even when you try to do a task with the album on in the background; it’s impossible. The more you listen, the more you start to hear the lyrics clearly. The lyrics are definitely an important part of this release, due to the themes being relatable to day to day life. Below are just a few examples of what I mean.
Worth My Salt highlights the brilliant song writing that goes on. In the lyrics, you can hear it’s one we can all relate to. Examples of those “Tethered to the unseen masters, Grasping chains of all my past mistakes, I’m worth my salt” and “The cycle will begin again But I can’t dwell on what won’t change”. Musically MAJESTICA comes to mind musically, particularly due to the vocal stylings.
Clandestine Traveller invokes curiosity. It’s reminiscent of going to an unknown part of the forest and being curious at what every turn brings. There are relatable lyrics such as “I am my own greatest enemy, Self-sabotaging effortlessly” being heard on the first listen, personally I like that’s the lyric we can hear clearly as that is something most of us can relate to. The unpredictable arrangements work in this song as it emulates the triumphs and challenges of navigating uncertainty. The lyric “I will take the reigns by your command, Holding course by sleight of hand” serves as an important reminder of taking back control.
By Shank’s Mare brought back that memory of walking in the sunshine along to this melody and it encourages you to take everything in that moment. The melody is uplifting and reflective, it’s one that makes me smile every time I hear it. Important lyrics such as “Intrusive thoughts loomed over me, But all my doubts dissolved in the glory of the sea” add to this empowering experience.
The album closer Embers on Our Shore is a beautiful one. This is one that will please Power and Prog fans alike, in fact; even skeptics of prog who find tracks too long might even enjoy this one. There’s enough wonderful things going on in the track that will keep you intrigued.
From the Shallows of the Mantle is a solid debut. Mindfulness is all about appreciating the present moment for what it is and this album encourages you to do so. It makes me eager to see what PATHALASSAN comes up with next. This is an album every music lover should hear, it’s an album that keeps you grounded and in the present moment.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Lotty Whittingham
From the Shallows of the Mantle is out now.
Find PANTHALASSAN on Bandcamp.
