Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
In a period of time which is dictated by a constant nagging doubt, in which the best laid plans of mice and the boundless enthusiasm and character of many has been pushed aside in a limited, confined, waking vision, to be able to partake in someone’s dream of completion is to revel in the majesty of human endeavour. Whilst some might argue that writers and musicians can still hold on to their work compared to others in society, they still need to find inspiration in the outside world and the Infinite Things that bring forth concepts and faith together.
Things are not what they were, but perhaps in some small measure, and away from the senselessness and loss of our current life, it may be looked upon as a force for change, a true meaning of good overpowering an evil that we have allowed to fester in society, and we actively need to look out for the Muses, the thinkers and the reflectors to make sense of life, to give us guidance, to spin our thoughts in such a way that the song resonates and ushers a more responsible, kinder, and reasoned era for all.
In Paloma Faith’s latest studio album, Infinite Things, that sense of relinquishing the fear and accepting a hopeful new beginning, even one that is unknown, unforeseen, and shrouded in mist for the time being, is evident, an appreciation of survival is made aware, and allowing yourself to embrace time, even in trying circumstances, and the energy that can flow through you and into something concrete, something infinite.
Through tracks such as Monster, Falling Down, If Loving You Was Easy, the excellent Beautiful & Damned and the climax of Last Night on Earth, Paloma Faith guides the listener with care through the time at hand, but make no mistake this may be about acceptance and moving on, but there is a disquiet, a burning anger that is being urged to be resolved of how we got into this mess in the first place that comes through in waves, a giant and seismic movement that sees the crest wipe out indecision and deliberate congress with passion.
Infinite Things sees the continuation of Paloma Faith’s own passionate response to the weariness of the world, of urging others to abandon darkness and find even just one moment of beauty in which to declare war on those who would go out of their way to inflict pain on another’s belief or hope. Cool, uplifting, deadly to the minority, it is an album that Ms. Faith declares freedom upon.
Ian D. Hall