DAWN RAY'D - To Know The Light - LP - Light Blue Vinyl [MAR 24]

LP - Limited Edition Light Blue Vinyl. 

To Know the Light is the third full length from the UK based politically charged troupe, Dawn Ray'd. To Know The Light is a departure from their previous missives in more ways than one. Although still overtly political, the lyrics take on a more personal slant than before. Lyrically, To Know The Light traces the band’s own journey through anarcho-nihilism; from anger, to despair, to a radical acceptance of the darkness all around us, settling on a new understanding of liberation and joy. Whilst much of the thematic content is rooted in rage and resistance, there are also elements of positivity to be found throughout.

Citing influences as genre-diverse as Chumbawumba, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Propagandhi, Lankum, and Crass, it is evident that the message is still as important as the music. The thread that runs through all these bands - and many others - is one that allows for creative expression around common themes of class struggle, freedom and resistance. Much of the lyrical content is poetic in structure and delivery, but never at the expense of straightforward language when necessary.

The album’s cover continues this theme of directness, featuring a photograph taken in France by Remi Moon, with additional artwork and layout by Ethan McCarthy. The image features a silhouetted figure in front of a fire at a protest. Consider this an invitation to disregard preconceptions about DAWN RAY’D and the genre(s) within which they reside. Consider To Know The Light as not just a rallying cry but a sincere offering of a new way of looking at the world.

Tracklist:

Side A
1. The Battle of Sudden Flame
2. Ancient Light
3. Inferno
4. Requital
5. Sepulcher (Don’t Vote)

Side B
6. Cruel Optimisms
7. In The Shadow of the Past
8. Freedom in Retrograde
9. Wild Fire
10. Go As Free Companions