The Glow, Pt. 2

the take

The Glow, Pt. 2 is undeniably inspired. Lyrically, Phil Elverum leans into abstraction and natural imagery, often circling themes of dissolution, identity, and the self’s relationship to the world. There are flashes of brilliance but the looseness can also make it feel elusive to the point of distance. Musically, it’s fascinating. The record thrives on contrast: blown-out distortion against delicate acoustic passages, tape hiss acting as texture rather than flaw. Songs don’t so much progress as they morph, drift, or collapse. There’s a clear intentionality behind the chaos, but it can feel shapeless if you’re not fully locked into its wavelength. Conceptually, the album is impressive. It feels like it was recorded inside a storm, or a memory of one. That ambition is what makes it so compelling, but also what keeps it at arm’s length. I respect it more than I connect with it. It’s deeply creative, occasionally beautiful, but ultimately not something I find myself wanting to return to often. Fav Track The Moon