Faint Halos latest offering, “I can see a million lights“, marks a transformative chapter for singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Paul Hashemi.

This album is a striking blend of folk, rock, and experimental sounds, which also maintains a deeply personal narrative throughout all of its ten tracks.

Opening with “The Miracle Comes,” listeners are greeted with an uplifting vibe straight away. Hashemi’s voice shine against a backdrop of rhythmic drumming and bright instrumentation, setting a hopeful tone that carries through the album.

In contrast, “Last Scenes of the Resistance” explores darker themes of sacrifice and the weight of leaving loved ones behind for a cause. Hashemi narrates the story of a resistance fighter, reminding us of the personal stakes involved in the fight for freedom. The lyrical depth here manages to show how Hashemi brings intricate, poignant stories into his music.

One of the standout tracks, “Something To Lose,” re-imagines a previous rock hit as a delicate acoustic piece.

Stripped away of its original electric energy, the song allows the raw vulnerability to take center stage, particularly in the tender harmonies with Paul Hashemi’s daughter, Cate. Their collaboration adds an intimate layer, transforming it into an exploration of familial bonds and shared experiences.

The use of unconventional instruments, like a re-purposed sofa as a kick drum, shows Hashemi’s creativity and ability to find artistry in the everyday.

“Skyline Hill” is another highlight that captures the essence of nostalgia with its minimalist guitar work and evocative lyrics. Hashemi paints a vivid picture of Philadelphia. The delicate eBow guitar lines create an atmosphere that evokes a warm summer night, while the sparse arrangement allows the listener to immerse themselves in the emotional landscape. Here, Hashemi explores themes of belonging and the transient nature of life, emphasizing how our sense of home is shaped by both the familiar as well as more fleeting moments.

The energy shifts dramatically with “Disaster,” where gentle guitar arpeggios gradually build into an emotional crescendo. This track reflects internal conflict, with Hashemi’s unfiltered delivery bringing raw honesty to lines like, “I’m losing grip, it’s getting hard to stay intact.”

The juxtaposition of softness and intensity shows his remarkable ability to convey the complexities of human emotion.

Another reflective moment arrives in “Wasted on Youth,” a ballad that poignantly captures the bittersweet passage of time. The soaring chorus intertwines themes of regret with hope, embodying the struggle of reconciling youthful choices with the wisdom gained over the years. This theme of looking back while moving forward threads throughout the album.

Paul says about the album:

“I can see a million lights” (encapsulates one of its) major themes – reflection on choices made, promises kept, and promises broken in life. For Gen Xers like me, one of the most important values has always been authenticity. Our society today makes it harder than ever to stay authentic, and I think for anybody, as you get older you look back and see things you could have done differently, things that might have been.”

“I can see a million lights” is a beautifully crafted album that feels both intimate and expansive. Hashemi’s innovative approach to instrumentation, combined with emotive lyrics and storytelling, makes it a rewarding listen.

And with more than 100,000 Spotify streams of the singles combined from this album, “I can see a million lights” is sure to be a standout release of 2024 in music.

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