Johnny Flynn & Robert Macfarlane:”The Moon Also Rises”

British singer-songwriter Johnny Flynn has carved a distinct path in the music industry, known for his captivating folk sound and introspective lyrics. 

In November 2023, he released his sixth studio album, “The Moon Also Rises,” marking his second collaborative effort with acclaimed nature writer Robert Macfarlane. 

This unique partnership delves into profound themes of life and death, renewal and darkness, creating a captivating musical journey.

A Collaboration Forged in Nature

The seeds of “The Moon Also Rises” were sown after the success of their first collaborative album, “Lost in the Cedar Wood” (2021). 

Flynn and Macfarlane, united by their love for the natural world, continued to write together, their creative wellspring seemingly overflowing. 

As they revisited the collection, a fascinating pattern emerged. The songs naturally fell into two distinct categories:

  • Songs of Burial and Shadows: Tracks like “Uncanny Valley” and “Burial Blessing” explore themes of loss, memory, and the earth’s embrace.
  • Songs of Awakening and Light: The album’s latter half, with songs like “Through the Misty with You” and “River, Mountain and Love,” celebrates rebirth, connection, and the enduring power of love.

This thematic duality became the guiding principle for the album’s structure, with the tracklist mirroring this cycle of darkness and light.

Unveiling the “Uncanny Valley”

The first single released, “Uncanny Valley,” perfectly encapsulates the album’s introspective mood. The title references a concept in robotics where artificial beings appear almost human but lack the subtle nuances that evoke empathy. 

The song’s lyrics grapple with a sense of unease in a world facing environmental challenges, technological advancements, and social anxieties.

Flynn’s distinctive vocals intertwine with melancholic piano chords and a haunting melody, creating an atmosphere that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. 

In interviews, Flynn has described “Uncanny Valley” as a reaction to a world that feels “out-of-kilter,” resonating with the anxieties of our times.

Finding Beauty in the Shadows

While the album delves into darkness, it doesn’t shy away from moments of quiet beauty. “Burial Blessing,” a poignant ballad, explores themes of loss and acceptance. 

The lyrics paint a picture of a natural burial, the earth cradling a loved one while life continues to bloom. The song’s gentle melody and introspective lyrics offer a sense of solace amidst grief.

A Celebration of Rebirth

The album’s second half takes a shift towards hope and renewal. Tracks like “Through the Misty with You” evoke a sense of journey and connection. 

Flynn’s vocals soar alongside a driving folk melody, capturing the exhilarating feeling of venturing into the unknown with a loved one by your side.

The album culminates with “River, Mountain and Love,” a powerful ballad that celebrates the enduring strength of nature and love. 

The song’s expansive soundscape, featuring strings and layered vocals, reflects the vastness of nature and the power of love that transcends time and circumstance.

A Collaborative Triumph: Beyond the Lyrics

“The Moon Also Rises” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration. Flynn’s musical prowess blends seamlessly with Macfarlane’s evocative lyricism. 

Parts of the album were even recorded in an old Methodist chapel, the current home of musician Cosmo Sheldrake, adding another layer of authenticity and community spirit to the project.

The album artwork, featuring a stark silhouette of a lone figure against a rising moon, further reinforces the album’s thematic exploration of light and dark.

Critical Reception and Legacy

“The Moon Also Rises” has been met with critical acclaim, praised for its thematic depth, musical richness, and the seamless blend of Flynn and Macfarlane’s creative voices. 

Critics have lauded the album’s ability to navigate darkness without succumbing to despair, offering glimpses of hope and renewal throughout.

The album has also sparked discussions about the human connection to nature, the anxieties of the modern world, and the enduring power of art to explore life’s complexities. 

Whether you’re a longtime Johnny Flynn fan or simply seeking a powerful and thought-provoking musical experience, “The Moon Also Rises” is an album that deserves a place in your collection.

Beyond the Studio: Exploring “The Moon Also Rises” Live

Johnny Flynn has been touring extensively in support of the album, bringing the songs of “The Moon Also Rises” to life on stage. 

The live performances are known for their intimacy and emotional intensity, further solidifying the album’s impact.

For fans seeking a deeper connection with the music, these live shows offer a unique opportunity to witness the artistic synergy between.

For fans seeking a deeper connection with the music, these live shows offer a unique opportunity to witness the artistic synergy between Flynn and Macfarlane. 

Flynn’s charismatic stage presence and captivating vocals are complemented by visuals and instrumentation that further enhance the album’s themes.

FAQs

What is the meaning behind the album title “The Moon Also Rises”?

The title references Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Sun Also Rises,” but with a twist. While Hemingway’s work explores themes of disillusionment and loss after WWI, “The Moon Also Rises” acknowledges the darkness but emphasizes the enduring cycle of light and renewal. Even after the sun sets, the moon rises, symbolizing a new beginning.

What are the main themes explored in the album?

The album delves into a range of profound themes, including:

  • Life and Death: “The Moon Also Rises” navigates the cycles of life, exploring loss, grief, and the earth’s embrace in songs like “Burial Blessing.”
  • Renewal and Hope: The album’s latter half celebrates rebirth, connection, and the enduring power of love in tracks like “Through the Misty with You” and “River, Mountain and Love.”
  • Nature and Humanity: The collaboration with Robert Macfarlane brings a strong focus on the natural world and our connection to it. Songs explore anxieties about our impact on the environment and the solace nature can provide.
  • Modern Anxieties: The album reflects on the anxieties of the modern world, with “Uncanny Valley” highlighting a sense of unease in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

What is the significance of the collaboration between Johnny Flynn and Robert Macfarlane?

The collaboration between Johnny Flynn, a gifted musician and songwriter, and Robert Macfarlane, a renowned nature writer, is a unique strength of the album. Flynn’s music provides a powerful soundscape for Macfarlane’s evocative lyrics, creating a deeply immersive experience.

What is the meaning behind the album title “The Moon Also Rises”?

The title references Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Sun Also Rises,” but with a twist. While Hemingway’s work explores themes of disillusionment and loss after WWI, “The Moon Also Rises” acknowledges the darkness but emphasizes the enduring cycle of light and renewal. Even after the sun sets, the moon rises, symbolizing a new beginning.

What is the “Uncanny Valley” referring to in the first single?

The title “Uncanny Valley” references a concept in robotics where artificial beings appear almost human but lack the subtle nuances that evoke empathy. The song uses this concept as a metaphor for a sense of unease in a world facing rapid technological advancements and environmental challenges.

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