New History Warfare Vol. 3: To See More Light
Colin Stetson · 2013
51 min · 11 tracks · jazz
An expansive exploration of sound where intricate saxophone layers intertwine with haunting vocal elements and rhythmic complexities.
Top tracks — play these first
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To See More Light — The title track serves as a culmination of the album’s themes, merging complex layering with emotional depth over a sprawling fifteen-minute journey that encapsulates Stetson's innovative style.
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Hunted — This track exemplifies Stetson's ability to create tension through dynamic contrasts, featuring intense saxophone passages that evoke a sense of urgency and primal instinct.
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Among the Sef (Righteous II) — With its intricate polyrhythms and ethereal vocal harmonies, this track highlights the interplay between acoustic instrumentation and modern sonic experimentation, emphasizing Stetson's genre-defying approach.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate saxophone work and unique vocal treatments, establishing a strong avant-garde identity.
What we noticed
- The album features extensive use of circular breathing techniques on the saxophone, allowing for long, uninterrupted phrases that create a sense of immersion.
- Tracks often blend vocal elements with instrumental layers, where voices are treated as part of the soundscape rather than traditional lyrics.
- Several pieces incorporate abrupt shifts in dynamics and tempo, creating tension and release that challenges the listener's expectations.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- expansive sonic exploration
- intricate layers for detail hunting
- haunting moments of reflection
- dynamic shifts in pacing
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'New History Warfare Vol. 3: To See More Light' was released in 2013, Colin Stetson had established himself as a prominent figure in avant-garde jazz. This album marked his third installment in the 'New History Warfare' series, following the critically acclaimed 'Vol. 2' which solidified his unique approach to solo saxophone performance and composition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Matthew Halsall· Tomasz Stańko· Shabaka Hutchings
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?
The moment shifts from a somber reflection on loss to a bright vision of transcendence, creating a stark contrast in tone.
This juxtaposition enhances the emotional weight of the narrative, allowing listeners to experience hope amidst sorrow as it shifts perspectives within the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 And in Truth 1:34
- 2 Hunted 5:51
- 3 High Above a Gray Green Sea 4:25
- 4 In Mirrors 1:26
- 5 Brute 2:55
- 6 Among the Sef (Righteous II) 4:36
- 7 Who the Waves Are Roaring For (Hunted II) 4:07
- 8 To See More Light 15:08
- 9 What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? 3:36
- 10 This Bed of Shattered Bone 2:09
- 11 Part of Me Apart From You 5:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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