Have you worn out your copy of The New Pornographers's Electric Version yet? That's fortunate, because I have also, but thankfully I have gotten my hands on Morning Spy's debut LP, and things have been dandy ever since. Morning Spy aptly delivered the goods with their self-titled EP in 2002, and this time, they raise the bar once again with Subsequent Light, which is the perfect title for this successive release. It should be noted that this album is not just "more of the same," which is the case with a myriad other bands that find their formula and never expand on it. Three of the songs from the previous record are found here ("Accidental Stars," "Please Stay Out Late," and "All Romance") as well as eight more succulent honey-laced tracks. The addition of a second guitarist, James Spandaro, has led to a richer, more textured sound as the band re-recorded those three aforementioned songs. The results are impacting, and this band has achieved the potential that it has strived for since their earlier days as dream-pop fledglings. While Morning Spy's co-founder/bassist Jon Rooney still assumes full song-writing responsibility, he shares the duty with guitarist/vocalist Allison Goffman for "Vista," a fractured song with only four verses that are repeated frequently. As Goffman whispers "Don't let my smile go to sleep, I'm standing here staring at my feet," she evokes memories of The Jesus and Mary Chain as well as My Bloody Valentine's less chaotic work. If a song with lyrics about staring at your feet are not shoegazer enough, "The Sweet Taste of Joy" could alleviate that problem, as the harmonizing between Goffman and Rooney make it illegal to listen to this song anywhere other than your bedroom with your blinds closed, shielding you from the puttering raindrops on your windowsill. From the spacey pop-rock of the album's opener, "I Am the Time" to the somber-sounding Velvet Underground-inspired closing track, "Cosmonauts," one really must consider the possibility that Lou Reed had four love-children with Francois Hardy.
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I encountered these cats only recently and they play a rocking live show. This CD is a great representation of their smooth, full indie rock sound. Great vocals and lyrics, and the instruments fill space perfectly to create a great wall of sound. Awesome debut effort!
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After receiving and tightly clutching my copy of Morning Spy’s “Subsequent Light” I ran to my stereo and popped it in, like one could expect from a lab rat for his tiny hit of methadone. “Subsequent Light” couldn’t be a more fitting title, especially if one were announcing it to the indie rock legions… Morning Spy has crafted one of the most beautiful records I’ve heard in a long time. The male/female vocals shine amidst the exceedingly thought-comforting lyrics. Like a warm blanket enveloping you. With the addition of a second guitarist, they have added a more three dimensional, timeless, and layered aspect to the song craft, some call this shoe-gaze or shimmer-pop, however it’s true. This leaves you in a euphoric trance-like state, arguably a perfect album. This band will be on my mix-tapes, in my head, and causing random glassy-eyed smiles for years to come. Do yourself a favor and seek out this band. R.I.Y.L – The Shins, The Books, Elizabeth Elmore, Belle & Sebastien
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i sing "slow flood" at least 10 times a day, aloud, preferably in the morning when my roommates are still sleeping.  i'm really grateful that jon and crew are not simply part of our scene, but making strides with beautiful music and not hype. the house is alright. -tj
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