The purpose of Light Once Lost is to provide a depth to the sonic experience, creating a contrast of lively and melancholic indie rock. Started in 2020 by Alec Riley as a means to cope with loss of his father, the project built into a larger cathartic escape with the release of 2024’s Specific Fears EP. Today, Light Once Lost announces its next EP, What Doesn’t Steal You, set for self release on June 12th. The six track EP is a powerful display of strong-willed, emotionally charged vocals that grasp the brightness as much as the gloom.
To preview the release, Light Once Lost shares two singles – “Swimming In Fountains” and “Exit Clause.” Opening the EP, “Swimming In Fountains” offers swaying melodies that build as lyrics move from inner conflict to wishful thinking. “Exit Clause” is the punchiest track on the record, weaving dreamlike guitars with dynamic drums and hooky choruses. Touche Amore’s Jeremy Bolm guest features on the track, his raspy vocals adding a hardened edge to Riley’s vivid delivery. You can stream both tracks HERE.
On “Exit Clause,” Riley shares:
“This song is written around the idea of having to leave a difficult situation that you once thought would be permanent. The song begins with the lines ‘Say your thanks on the way out, a crown of crows and a stiff demeanor, once we could afford to let it out I was defeated, deflated I mean it.’ This beginning stanza basically introduces the listener to the situation: being forced out of something you may have otherwise called your own which leaves you defeated. This is supported with Jeremy’s lyric ‘That collection plate is far from the brim, here I am with pockets turned out.’”
What Doesn’t Steal You was produced and mixed by Christopher Dwyer and co-produced by Clayton Stevens. All vocals and instruments performed by Alec Riley with drums performed by Christopher Dwyer.
