[usr 3.5]

Following the thrilling “Ancient Names, Pt. I,” Lord Huron keeps the momentum going on the brief, energetic “Ancient Names, Pt. II.”

Indie-rock collective Lord Huron experienced a come-up in 2017, thanks to their song, “The Night We Met.” The song didn’t come out in 2017, but rather two years earlier in 2015, appearing on their sophomore album, Strange Trails.  So, why did “The Night We Met” take off? It was featured in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. Frontman Ben Schneider and company can use this success as ‘fuel for the fire’ of their forthcoming album. Led by single “Ancient Names, Pt. I,” Lord Huron also released “Ancient Names, Pt. II.”

“Ancient Names, Pt. II” commences abruptly, chocked-full of energy.  Incredibly boisterous, “Ancient Names, Pt. II” greatly contrasts the more mysterious start of “Ancient Names, Pt. I.” Furthermore, this single is much shorter, clocking it at just over two minutes.  While it’s a bit difficult to decipher thanks to the heavy vocal distortion, Schneider kicks things off with the chorus.

“Gone are the days of laughter and love / Gone, baby, gone, we’ve all had enough / Carry on and spend all your dough / Take it down to the ground and sink me below.”

The two verses, are short and sweet. Each feature just four lines of lyrics. Essentially the same, there’s just a slight variation between both, which are separated by the second iteration of the chorus.

“I live my life like this / Just to prove to the world that I still exist / I don’t believe in life / And I won’t believe in death ‘til I die.”

Following the limited number of lyrics, “Ancient Names, Pt. II” closes instrumentally.

Final Thoughts

Does “Ancient Names, Pt. II” match the excellence of “Ancient Names, Pt. I?” While it’s another strong offering from Lord Huron, Pt. I is the better of the two.  Regardless, “Ancient Names, Pt. II” is another reason to be excited about the band’s forthcoming album.

Lord Huron • Ancient Names, Pt. II – Single • Republic • Release: 1.26.18 

Photo Credit: Republic