When speaking about Bright Eyes, the singular pronoun "he" is probably used more often than the plural pronoun "they." This is more true than ever of the latest pair of albums from the band, whose only constant member seems to be mastermind Conor Oberst. Oberst's latest songs have been divided into two separate but cohesive albums, which were both released on Jan. 24.
"I'm Wide Awake It's Morning" follows through with some of the heartland musical themes that Oberst has explored with past albums. "At the Bottom of Everything" starts the album with a long spoken narrative that sets a light-hearted mood, only to be followed by a sarcastic call-to-arms for our modern materialistic culture. Oberst sings "We must memorize nine numbers and deny we have a soul/And to this endless race for property and privilege to be won/We must run, we must run, we must run."
"Digital Ash in a Digital Urn" is a much darker, electronic experiment for Oberst. Featuring drum machines and other not-real instruments, the album explores themes such as death in the stream-of-consciousness "Arc of Time (Time Code)." Oberst sings, "To the deepest part of the human heart/The fear of death expands/So we cracked the code we have always known/But could never understand."
These two records cover new ground for Bright Eyes, but also adhere to many of the themes and sounds that have attracted droves of fans to their music. Although dark and cynical at times, Oberst can exude a sort of pop optimism that is contagious set against the feel-goodness of his music.
"I'm Wide Awake It's Morning" - 5 out of 5 stars
"Digital Ash in a Digital Urn" - 4 our of 5 stars
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