Listening to this record throughout an unusually rainy LA week set the tone for this more than I could imagine — the unique and unexpected sound partners as the perfect complimentary soundtrack. With tranquil and soothing undertones, this newly imagined, ethereal sound by Haunted Mouths is truly a complete 180 from Kellin’s signature vocal style with Sleeping With Sirens.
The debut album, A Collection of Greetings, is co-produced by Aaron Marsh, the frontman of indie-pop band, Copeland — an all time favorite of Kellin’s. (So much a favorite that he named his daughter Copeland, after the band.) It’s always intriguing to hear the final score when an artist collaborates with another artist, writer or producer who they’re a big fan of. There is a special piece of magic that sparks when this type of pairing aligns — and in this case, it was very magical.
A Collection of Greetings offers listeners a fragile, auditory journey through a broad spectrum of emotions. The record almost makes us feel like a fly on the wall as two loved ones battle their ups and downs on life’s winding path. Each track is swirling with fervor, fear and everything in between. As the tracks continue to play, we float along an imaginary timeline revolving around two beings who share a powerful love and determination to strengthen what they have together.
Thematically, this record possesses a multitude of peaceful, healing aspects — soft jazz notes, hints of soul and an unwavering cinematic sound. The opening track, “Further Till We Disappear,” is full of soulful bass lines with “subtle sexy” feel. Heading into “Tunnel Vision,” a lo-fi intro followed by dreamy choral vocals make this track particularly catchy. Hearing the lyric“through the static, all I see is you” hits straight in the feels.
“Casting Over Them” has a trade-off between darker, slowed moments with heavy distortion and brighter, lighter sounding parts. There is a strong shoegaze feel that pairs flawlessly with lyrical references that nod to a cinematic fantasy scene — almost like a soft and dreamy Tim Burton:
“You’re sleeping soundly
In the moss next to your garden
And I’ve been catching spiders
In my fangs, beg your pardon”
The concept of surviving whatever life throws is consistently heard throughout this track — also piercing the listener with another one of those “hits right in the feels” lyrics: “I won’t let you down, even though sometimes we fake it.” Lots of emotion and lots of relatability.
Kellin’s vocals are showcased phenomenally in “Searching for a Fire” from the very start — his tender approach is inviting and reassuring. As a delicate acoustic guitar strums, the song is later enhanced by some upbeat percussion, all before fading into a dream-like outro. This track has become one of my most-listened to.
The title track, “A Collection of Greetings,” is a bit of a “cliche, but in a good way” love song with some gentle notes of jazz. Naturally, this ends with“you set me free, and for that, you will always be my heart” — another soul burster.
“Everywhere / Forever” was an immediate favorite upon listening for the first time. A deep ethereal vibe meets synthy-vocals and effects with soulful undertones and punchy backbeat. Sultry bedroom pop at its finest that could easily be featured in a scene from a Netflix movie. The following song, “So Peculiar,” also feels like it is out of a movie soundtrack. This upbeat and bright track is reminiscent of nostalgic TV and movie soundtracks from the 90s and early 2000s (hello, Dawson’s Creek). I found this to be particularly catchy — it will fit perfectly on my night drive playlist.
Life seems to take a turn once we hit “Meanwhile” — With lyrics like, “we can both make peace with our ghosts now” and “our love… we almost forgot it again,” the tension and strain can be felt through this song. Seemingly, that hypothetical couple we’ve been floating along with during this listening journey appears to be patching things up in this moment. There is obvious willpower and dedication to a loved one present in the theme. The intro to this song is sweet and hopeful, yet also a bit melancholy:
“My light will bring you home
Won’t be alone, not never
The place where you feel free
Come back to me forever
These moonlit skies come pouring down
On me and you, me and you”
…ah yes, even more feels.
“Becoming Nameless” is a breathtaking track with beautiful saxophone — safe to say, I was immediately sparked once I heard this sax solo blissfully slip into the bridge of the song. The warm, relaxing notes flow perfectly as it comes to an end. Easily, another one of my favorites from this album. Rounding out the record is “You Built This” — a gentle, romantic track that wraps up A Collection of Greetings ever so precisely. The song concludes as each instrumental line slowly fades out one by one until there are a few single guitar strums.
A Collection of Greetings is the biggest, most pleasant curveball one could receive — especially those who are fans of Sleeping With Sirens. This record peels back hidden layers of Kellin we’ve never heard before. He has invited us in to explore this haunting yet magical world that he has composed together with one of his biggest influences — and the journey does not disappoint. I highly recommend this album on your next wind down day (also during a good rainstorm) as it will truly radiate tranquility and a meditative aura.
