A stirring success of an album from East Denistone, The Sum of Small Tidings captures vulnerable states of the human experience within a dynamic rock pull — succeeding in a mixture of balladry-set lushness, brass-laden sophisti-pop, and brooding rock expanses.
The project’s creative force, Marcus, describes the release as coming within an ideal moment. “It’s funny, because there’s an irony that my main regret is that I wished I had released it sooner, but the album is something I only could’ve made at this specific point of time in my life,” Marcus says. “Any earlier, and I wouldn’t have been ready. It’s an amalgamation of my thoughts and feelings thus far, and all of the lessons, both big and small, I’ve picked up along the way.”
An atmospheric, emotive pull shows on the opening track “Our Last Ten Years Pt I and II” — which compels in its ascent from dreamy introspection to an eclectic overall display, featuring gripping brass infusions, jangling guitar ardency, and an all-around enthralling sophisti-pop allure. The album itself consistently impresses in its tonal range — and this opener is no exception, captivating over both heavy rock fuzz past the two-minute turn and moments of lusher tranquility.
Another highlight, “I Wish I Was Over You” builds from a piano-led recollection into ghostly vocal chills and a “heart left in pieces,” melancholic insight. “Talk of better days ahead,” a more optimistic glow exudes as acoustic strums and gentle percussion come alongside, acknowledging growing older and “problems that were there before.” The track stirs as another showcase of East Denistone’s impactful songwriting, enamoring with both balladry and rousing emotion within themes of moving on from past heartbreak and into brighter days.
A multitude of standouts show throughout, with “King of Diamonds” another showcase in melodic, soundscape-forward intrigue. The serene synths and solemn vocals lead an enchanting aesthetic, resembling a cross between The Blue Nile and Destroyer. Soaring vocals build into dream-pop guitar twangs for an especially resonating effect into the “lay all my cards on the table,” outpouring.
Album finale “Pugilist Brain” is a fantastic send-off as well, retracing “all the times you fell upon the floor, and pick yourself up,” in further thematic displays of perseverance and overcoming. A dose of textured guitars in the final minute furthers the already-gripping atmosphere. The Sum of Small Tidings is an all-around consuming display of quality songwriting and production from East Denistone.
