Celer, the moniker of American musician Will Long, who is now based in Japan, presents a deeply introspective and atmospheric journey with his album, “How could you believe me when I said I loved you when you know I’ve been a liar all my life.” This work, inspired by the vast landscapes of the American Southwest, delves into themes of memory, imperfection, and the multifaceted nature of perception, all while crafting a unique sonic experience.
A Journey Through Sound and Memory
“How Could You Loved…” isn’t just an album; it’s an auditory exploration rooted in personal experience. Long’s artist statement vividly recounts a road trip with his uncle through the American Southwest, painting scenes of Moab’s sunset canyons, silent desert vistas, and the stark contrasts encountered along the way, from the ancient petroglyphs marred by modern graffiti to the economic disparities between Kayenta and Aspen. These vivid memories serve as the emotional and conceptual bedrock of the album.
The press statement further illuminates the album’s creation process. Utilizing simple tools – an electric piano and a wooden flute – Long employed tape loops, copied onto sun-baked cassette tapes and a warped vinyl test pressing. This deliberate use of imperfect media introduces inherent flaws and distortions into the music, mirroring the fallibility of memory itself. The “primitive Americana” aesthetic, as described, suggests a raw, unfiltered approach, emphasizing the beauty found within imperfection. The album’s title, “How could you loved me…”, itself hints at themes of doubt and self-reflection, adding another layer to the listening experience.
Deconstructing the Sonic Texture
The album’s track titles – “Bleeds and swell blends,” “These dreams, how portentously gloomy,” “Natural deflections,” and “Acrimonious, like fiddles” – are evocative and poetic, hinting at the abstract and textural nature of the music within. While the provided text doesn’t offer specific descriptions of each track, the titles themselves suggest a soundscape that is both melancholic and subtly discordant, yet perhaps harmonically rich in its own way. The listener is invited to immerse themselves in these soundscapes, allowing the imperfections and ambient textures to evoke their own interpretations and emotional responses.
Formats and Availability
Originally released in various formats, including LP editions (both standard and white sleeve variants), cassette editions (first and second runs), CD, and even a limited test pressing, “How could you loved…” offered multiple avenues for listeners to engage with the music. While most physical editions are now listed as “Sold Out,” the option for streaming and digital download remains, ensuring that the album’s evocative soundscapes are still accessible to new audiences. The availability in high-quality download formats like 24-bit/44.1kHz caters to audiophiles seeking the best possible listening experience, while streaming provides convenient access for casual listeners.
A Testament to Imperfection and Memory
“How could you loved…” by Celer is more than just a collection of tracks; it’s a cohesive artistic statement that explores the beauty of imperfection and the poignant nature of memory. Will Long’s personal journey through the American Southwest, combined with his deliberate use of lo-fi recording techniques, results in an album that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. It encourages listeners to contemplate the “different sides of music and cultural perception” and find beauty in the inherent flaws that life, and perhaps love, presents. For those seeking an introspective and texturally rich listening experience, “How could you loved…” remains a compelling and thought-provoking work.
