After seven years, the Twilight Sad return with their latest studio album, It’s the Long Goodbye, a record that reminds listeners of what they have come to expect over two decades. Lead singer and principal lyricist James Graham experienced considerable volatility over that time, both in public and behind the scenes. This effort attempts to capture that raw emotion. In doing so, the record achieves moments of catharsis that will linger with listeners long after the music ends.
For Graham, significant changes have taken place over the past decade, and the events have represented considerable highs and lows. After the band nearly called it quits, the Twilight Sad toured with childhood idols the Cure back in 2016. That was also the time that Graham learned of his mother’s early-onset frontotemporal dementia. This news, coupled with the joys of marriage and parenthood, became a lot for him to manage. After his mental health struggles led to them cancelling a subsequent tour with the Cure, his mom passed away. Although much of the LP was written by that point, the record attempts to wrestle with many of those weighty themes.
Due to the long break between albums, the band as a whole were in a different place. Previous members had other life commitments, and the remaining pair, including Andy MacFarlane (guitars, instrumentation), were tasked with enlisting other musicians to perform on the record. They recruited David Jeans, who played drums with Arab Strap, and Mogwai live member Alex Mackay on bass. They also received input from Robert Smith, now a friend of the band, who also appeared on a few tracks.
The songs that begin It’s the Long Goodbye with a certain ferocity. Opening number “Get Away From It All”, marches steadily forward yet pools with intensity. Graham pleads, “Why’re you leaving me? / Why’re you slowly leaving me?” The track finds him harnessing his signature brogue and culminates with him professing, “You’re my mother,” an intimately powerful moment.
The opening salvo captures a certain spirit, whether it’s the brisk, atmospheric “Designed to Lose” or the staggering, dramatic “Attempt a Crash Landing – Theme”, with simple concepts defining each number. The album eventually slows down despite never cooling off. Each of the compositions is given more room to breathe, like the gloomy post-punk meditation “Dead Flowers”, which allows listeners to sit in the sorrow.
Following a period of uncertainty, the Twilight Sad appear confident. Their music sounds invigorated, matching their typical brooding energy, swirling guitars, and soaring vocals. It’s the Long Goodbye asks a lot from listeners, especially in terms of the emotional energy they are meant to expend. At times, it may feel as if we are made to witness Graham’s process of spiritual cleansing.
Amid intense moments of anguish, the overarching message listeners are meant to take away is that we are not alone. Many of these ordeals referenced are widely experienced, whether it’s losing a parent or coping with mental health issues. In many ways, that enduring sentiment offers a glimmer of hope, one that underlies the demanding and worthwhile process of healing.