Illiterate Light - “Carolina Lorelei”
First and foremost, the number one thing I hope you take away from this piece: if you ever have the chance to see Illiterate Light live, GO. Don’t ask questions, just go, you’ll thank me later. I’ve seen them a number of times over the last few years and they’ve remained one of my favorite live acts. With only two members they manage to have a fuller sound than some 5-piece bands I’ve seen. This is in part because of guitarist Jeff Gorman’s synth bass pedals he uses to fill out the low end (an exciting tap dance to watch), but also because of the palpable energy and chemistry they have. Drummer Jake Cochran’s standing kit setup frees him up to move around onstage alongside his bandmate and brings them closer together for a more cohesive and engaging performance. Their music is earnest and uplifting, with beautiful lyrics and harmonies that manage to touch even the most jaded of cynics (trust me). After gracing us with their EP “Sweet Beast” earlier this year, they’ve kept the ball rolling amidst consistent touring with the release of their new single “Carolina Lorelei,”
The track is high-energy right from the start, Gorman’s layered guitar riffing carried along by Cochran’s seamlessly intricate drumming. It glides along through a sparse verse, breaking into a tender pre-chorus before building back up into one of the catchiest hooks I’ve heard in a while. According to Gorman, the song was written as an ode to an experience he had in North Carolina, when he saw his partner approaching and was immediately overwhelmed by profound love and adoration. That sweetness shines through both musically, with elements such as the string swells in the bridge, and lyrically. As previously mentioned, the harmonies are particularly compelling. Gorman and Cochran have voices that feel predestined to go together, effortlessly blending unexpected intervals in a way that just feels right. What they lack in band members, they more than make up for in mastery of their craft.
Perhaps the most exciting part of this release was the accompanying news that they had signed to Atlantic Records. It’s an inspiring triumph, and in an age where the music industry at large feels increasingly broken and fragmented, it always feels special to see a deserving group break through. As for the future, Illiterate Light will be making the rounds at summer festivals, playing Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, and Lollapalooza, before going on tour with Rainbow Kitten Surprise in the fall. So keep your eyes peeled, and if you get the chance to catch them on the road, don’t miss out.
In the meantime, check out the video for “Carolina Lorelei” below.