Oakland, California based alt folk rockers, Known to Collapse‘ The Collectives LP was released last week on Secret Library Recordings. In addition to Lehner’s vocals, guitars, and piano, it features bassist/vocalist David Somerall, drummer Matt Bryant and, as hinted by its title, several other talented contributing artists. As such, the eight tracks combine a range of genres that underline a penchant for experimentation. The dreamy “Stop Back” kicks off on a gentle, hopeful note as the acoustic, narrative-like “The Grey Area” diffuses a slight country-western vibe. The mood picks up with the multi-layered “Felicity City”—arguably the most experimental track—with its intense bridge that opposes its epiphanic chorus. The upbeat and catchy “Kelly’s Eyes (Kelly’s Island)” engenders optimism that contrasts the blunt, edgy rebuke that is “Hate Hater.” Yet, ironically, a lack of lyrics just might have the strongest impact through the beautifully moody, piano-backed instrumental tune, “Cander.” The concluding piece “No One Can Teach You To See” features Kevin Lehner and Alora King in a duet, where gritty guitar riffs parallel the bittersweet undertone of relationships and life lessons.
With tracks alternating between laid-back and intense, dreamy and harshly sobering, Collectives feels relatable through its honesty. If there’s the occasional cryptic lyrical content, it’s a nod to another level of experimentation and uniqueness that opens the door to personal interpretation. – Natacha Pavlov