Son Lux - Lost It to Trying

A significant number of critics condemn contemporary experimental art as the spawn of random immature searches, rather than the fruit of a consciously realized conception. Indeed many an experimental piece seem self-sufficient, hyperbolic and downright pointless. Still, other scholars define art itself as always being "experimental" (in the relevant sense of the word) for it always creates something "new", whether in goal or means. Son Lux is a testament to the latter.

Achieving originality when everything sounds painfully familiar is by itself impressive. Creating a beautiful and well-thought-out product at the same time is admirable. "Lost It to Trying" proves that a clear idea and vision behind an experimental composition makes all the difference. Nothing about the track sounds random, out of place or over the top. The grandeur of the elaborate arrangements is dialed back by the simplicity of the lyrics, the heavy synth is balanced by light, energetic flute patches. The angelic vocals in combination with the abundance of sound, paint an almost spiritual picture of futuristic catharsis, an obscure inner monologue of realizations and acceptance.

Son Lux, born Ryan Lott, is an US experimentalist with quite the impressive CV, comprised of collaborations with established hip-hop, indie-rock and classical musicians, as well as production credits for film and television. "Lost It to Trying" is out of his fourth full-length album Lanterns -  a delightful trip into a meticulous, yet emotional progressive mind. The video for the track, directed and choreographed  by Lux's wife Jennifer McQuiston Lott, compliments the song, making it a complete multimedia piece.