Based in North Caroline, The Physics of Meaning is a project led by multi-instrumentalist Daniel Hart. While their bands might be quite different sounding, Daniel Hart and Owen Pallet, who records as Final Fantasy, have much in common.
They both were classically trained in violin, and they both record and arrange for many well-known indie rock acts. While Owen Pallet arranged the string parts on the Arcade Fire and Beirut albums, Hart is involved with John Vandeslice, St. Vincent, the Polyphonic Spree, the Rosebuds, and the Annuals.
Snake CharmerFollowing a self-titled album released in 2005, the new Physics album, Snake Charmer and Destiny at the Stroke of Midnight, was released in Janurary of 2008. The album was not included in any major or minor media outlet's best of the year lists, making this the overlooked album of the year by far.
Relying heavily on his violin, Hart fills his songs with pathos and characters who yearn for love. The album is, in fact, book-ended by solo violin pieces that would not sound out of place at a symphony. The album contains much variety, from raucus rockers like "No More Sleeping in the Shadows" to gentle lullabies like "Around the Bend." Filling these songs with as many instruments and musicians without cluttering his songs, the end result is a truly epic and anthemic album.
A Cinematic EffortThe album utilizes different feels and movements, sometimes within the same song, lending the album a cinematic feel. With themes of love and destiny interspersed throughout the lyrics, a further cohesion between the songs is achieved. This helps to smooth the transitions between the folk, classical, and chamber rock influences apparent throughout the album.
The final result of of Hart's efforts is an album that works better as a whole than cut up into individual tracks. While this might seem anachronistic in today's singles oriented market, listeners who invest the time into this album will be greatly rewarded.
Further ListeningThe Physics of Meaning is set to tour beginning in February of 2009. Anyone who is a fan of the album should definitely check out their live show, as Hart makes for quite the dynamic frontman as he sings and plays violin. Quite a few live performances can be found at tw.youtube.com/watch.
The band also put in a session over at Daytrotter(daytrotter.com/article/1310/the-physics-of-meaning). The session included an unreleased track putting Edgar Allen Poe's "Annabelle Lee" to music, along with intimate performaces of "Oregon, My Only True Friend" from their first album and "We Were Made for This World."
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