Credit Electric – “heights”

When you dive into the music of Credit Electric, it might surprise you to learn that the band originated in the Bay Area. While there’s certainly a cosmic and Californian essence to their folk sound, their rustic and bluesy Americana ballads evoke a strong sense of the dusty South. This was particularly true for their self-titled debut album, which they released in 2019. However, when the pandemic struck, Credit Electric adapted from live performances to polished production, embracing home recording during lockdowns. This transformation led to their more adventurous sophomore record, “out of love in the face of a shadow.”

The release of the title track and lead single last month signaled their evolution in sound. It was akin to the band transitioning from a 2D world to a 3D realm. “Out of love in the face of a shadow” introduced a newfound depth, thanks to its spacious and ambient-oriented arrangements. The entire album expanded their horizons by drawing inspiration from various musical realms, including lo-fi jazz, dub, post-rock, ambient music, 70’s studio experimentation, and 90’s indie rock.

Today, we’re excited to premiere “heights” on HighClouds, another result of their sound experimentation. Elevated by a lounge-like sophistication, the instrumentation of this slow-burning track almost lulls you into forgetting the consuming melancholy and bitterness conveyed by the lyrics. Ryan LoPilato, one of the band’s songwriters, explains the song’s theme: “‘heights’ explores the experience of living within the realm of emotional co-dependence for material gain and engaging in emotionally co-dependent relationships. It delves into being a witness to the consequences of such situations, which include self-harm, violence, and substance abuse. The song explores how individuals often distract themselves from the painful truths they’ve become entangled in, opting to ‘forget that with you.’ It juxtaposes romantic illusions with the harsh realities they obscure.”