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Following the band shedding former label, Metal Blade, it was only a matter of time before 40 Watt Sun shed any semblance of Patrick Walker and Christian Leitch's metallic past. The clean, sparse sound of Wider than the Sky will be a shock to some, and superficial changes are the easiest to notice, but I can't think of a more worthy spiritual successor to their debut. Take, for example, the minimally-driven "Beyond You." Heralded by slowly strummed, jangling chords, this trio slowly lumbers through nearly ten minutes of bitter, beautiful resignation. The music is warm and bittersweet - Walker's spacious songwriting and unique harmonic ear resonates into itself with chiming beauty. It's different, sure, but the spirit, one of pure, weighty emotion, remains the same.

Though this apparent "about face" has more in common with singer/songwriters Jason Molina and Damien Jurado (both of whom have been covered by either the full band or Patrick Walker on his own) than the doom metal under which 40 Watt Sun had been previously categorized, the only chief difference I can hear is the lack of distortion. The elements are all still there, Patrick Walker's unique croon and big, leafy guitar chords, William Spong's thick, melodic bass, and Christian Leitch's active, jazz-influenced drumming, all wrapped in resplendent, bittersweet emotion. The only ingredient which seems to be missing is the previously ever-present distortion found on their debut. With this new concentration on clarity, 40 Watt Sun has lifted a veil from their music, carrying the same emotional weight without any added hindrance. Wider Than The Sky is an intense listen - a bitter pill to swallow which carries a hidden warmth and hope.

My words do not do this album justice.

The contemplative Wider than the Sky will see physical release via Svart Records and the band's own label Radiance Records on October 14th. Enjoy an exclusive first listen of "Beyond You" below.

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From the artist:

"I don't find it easy to talk about my own music, and I'm not convinced I necessarily should, but I'm asked to say a few words about this song. It's about short-lived escape and sanctuary; of a deep sense of completion and of safety and well-being; and yet simultaneously feeling in those moments its impermanence and the pain of that; of trying to protract and even reserve that experience and that sense of love and life." -Patrick Walker

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