We Speak Music
Staring At Success: Lenox Hills Elevates Their Sound with Staring At The Sun EP
Lenox Hills, the Tennessee-based rock quartet, has officially elevated their game with the release of their third EP, Staring At The Sun. Released through The Orchard, this EP signifies a major creative milestone for the band, whose evolution in sound and emotional depth is apparent in every note.
Fronted by brothers Luke (vocals) and Packy Mullin (guitar), alongside Kyle Swenson (drums) and Kameron Dunn (bass), Lenox Hills has consistently delivered music that is both raw and heartfelt. Their distinct blend of raucous rock infused with emotive storytelling has carved out a niche for them, resonating deeply with fans who appreciate music that feels both broad in its appeal and intimate in its delivery.
The title track, “Staring At The Sun,” is a clear standout and has quickly become a fan favorite. It’s easy to see why; the song, described by the band as a “slow burn,” starts off with a mellow, almost reflective tone before building into a powerful and cathartic crescendo. The lyrics are relatable, and the hooks are undeniably catchy, making it a track that sticks with you long after the final chord. Luke Mullin’s vocal delivery is particularly poignant, blending a sense of vulnerability with confidence that pulls listeners into the emotional core of the song. As Luke himself notes, “It’s vibey and easy listening, but emotionally vulnerable at the same time. We feel like we nailed exactly what we were going for and said what we wanted to say.”
The creation of this track is a testament to the band’s organic and free-flowing creative process. Written and recorded at their home studio in Nashville, under the guidance of producer Logan Matheny, “Staring At The Sun” blossomed from a simple rehearsal idea into a fully realized song in just five minutes—a testament to the band’s synergy and creative intuition.
Musically, Lenox Hills walks a line between pop rock and indie rock, blending world-class production with melodies that linger in the mind long after listening. It’s a sound that would not be out of place supporting acts like Kings of Leon, Inhaler, or Dayglow, yet it remains uniquely their own.
With Staring At The Sun, Lenox Hills has crafted an EP that not only reflects their growth as artists but also positions them for bigger things on the horizon. The emotional depth and sonic sophistication of this record suggest that Lenox Hills is a band poised to make a significant impact, and this EP is their ticket to the next level.
We Speak Music
Christian Balvig releases gorgeous new album ‘Find And You Will Seek’ in collaboration with Ensemble Hermes.
Acclaimed composer and arranger Christian Balvig is known for his work with an array of artists and bands like Jade, Efterklang, Lowly, When Saints Go Machine and Mew, as well as his work with some of the most acclaimed orchestras like Royal Northern Sinfonia (BBC Proms), The Royal Danish Orchestra, Copenhagen Phil, London Contemporary Orchestra, The Danish Radio Broadcast Orchestra and The Norwegian Wind Ensemble.
The cinematic sound on his new album might echo Balvig’s work in the world of film and TV music. Scoring the 2025 Oscar shortlisted short movie ‘Eternal Father’ and the Danish hit series ‘Cry Wolf’ (Ulven Kommer), which has been shown on television in more than 30 countries around the globe, including Channel 4 in the UK. He was also nominated for a Harpa award for ‘Best score’ last year at the Berlinale for ‘The Son and the Moon (Min Arv Bor I Dig)’.
Balvig’s new album, ‘Find And You Will Seek’, backed by Danish string group Ensemble Hermes, grew organically out of this background of experiences and is music that appeals to listeners seeking original, immersive music with space for reflection and contemplation.
‘Find And You Will Seek’ is a collection of chamber works that explore the combination of piano and strings in new ways. Recent single ‘The BirdSuite II – Praesentia’ is part of a 3-part Suite running throughout the record, written and performed on a custom made “Keybird” piano, which is an una-corda (one string pr note) piano that gives a more subtle and intimate sound. On top of it is a lush and emotional string ensemble arrangement with Ensemble Hermes in multiple layers fluctuating in and out of the keybird piano.
Balvig’s second single from the record is ‘What Happened To The World’, an ultra transparent neo-classical inspired piece, with slow melodic structures, a simple chord progression and emotional performance starting with a floating viola solo. It is written from the feeling that the world sometimes goes backwards, and you feel left on the platform wanting to take the train in a different direction.
From film music inspired pieces to experimental chamber music over piano concerto inspired movements, to more neo-classical productions with almost orchestral sounding dubs of strings, ‘Find And You Will Seek’ flows with emotions and lush sound worlds, always with a tangible organic texture.
Find Christian Balvig and Ensemble Hermes on tour in Denmark:
27.5 Ansgars Kirke (Odense)
28.5 Folkegaarden Festival (Aalborg)
29.5 Gnisten (Ry)
30.5 Musikhuset (Aarhus)
1.6 Basement (Copenhagen)
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