Time Is but the Drawing of a Sword by Lyndsie Alguire

With the world at our fingertips, the slightest ripples in world and personal events cascade into tsunamis, as group chats and media cartels amplify every disturbance. Though we often feel tempted to leave everything behind and run for the hills, ambient artist Lyndsie Alguire redirects our energy with Time Is but the Drawing of a Sword, an elegant reminder that mindfulness can allow the distant tune of inner peace to reemerge in any environment. Solemn pianos, atmospheric synths, and cloudy vocals set the scene of our lonely journey into the unknown, fleeing constant overstimulation in a vain attempt to restore balance to our spirits. Fuzzy computer-generated organs introduce a dungeon synth aesthetic that ties this frivolous escapism to video games, with the album even releasing alongside a touchingly emotional choose-your-own-adventure text game. Brought to our senses by the unrealistic idealism of Alguire’s world, we learn the necessity of reconnecting with that radiant shard of stability lost deep within our crowded, disorderly spirits, returning from this solitary journey to find the true path to lasting peace.

- Michael