Cover Stories: Lowest Light

Set list:
      “Epilogue” by The Antlers
      “Overt” by Lowest Light

As I introduced myself to Daniel Toomey, the man behind Lowest Light, I asked what song he was planning on covering. “‘Epilogue’ by The Antlers,” he replied, coughing. “I usually do the falsetto but the ash…” he gestured at his throat. But, despite having been evacuated from Santa Barbara just a few days prior due to the Thomas fire that coated the surrounding area in thick ash, Toomey’s voice is strong as he strums his way through Hospice’s mournful closing number. Had he not said anything, I never would’ve guessed that he wasn’t in peak performing condition. It’s clear that this song has been with him for a long time.

When it comes time for Toomey to play his original, there is clear influence from The Antlers in his vocals, as well as the influence of years of jazz experience in his chord voicings. “Overt,” the original that Toomey performed, manages to maintain continuity despite extreme changes in style. At almost six minutes, it’s a lengthy song that manages to walk the line between disjointed and repetitive, which is not an easy task for a one-man band. But Toomey’s dynamic voice and carefully rhythmic chords perfectly complement each other as they fill the room with melancholy, and our small audience was lost in the music from start to finish.

“Overt” is off Lowest Light’s upcoming album Pastorals, which is currently being mixed and is expected to be released later in 2018.

Follow Lowest Light on Facebook and Spotify to stay up to date with their latest releases.

Written by Walker Spence

Credits:
Creative Directors: Dylan Medlock, Walker Spence
Videographers: Joe Spillane, Roann Pao
Production Assistants: Amber Harmon, Matthew Allen
Design: Jackie Nam