Backlit, Isis

An absolute beauty. From the opening which is sublime, anthemic, somehow deeply moving all at once. It goes to show the deep power of rock music. I will print the lyrics here, though this is one of the clearer sung Isis songs.

Always object
Never subject

Can you see us? Are we there?
Are we there.
Can you see me? We are watching
We are watching.
You are fading.
In the daylight. Fading.

Always upon you, light never ceases
Lost from yourself, light never ceases
Thousands of eyes, gaze never ceases
Light is upon you, life in you ceases


Taken from the album Panopticon, it has so many meanings, and a universal resonance. The song is engaging with ideas of actual Panopticon prisons, a Big Brother state, the existence of God, maybe a personal loss. It's pure poetry, set to some of the most beautiful music ever. The guitars sweep over you like waves, the drums ebb and flow at irregular intervals, the transitions, and different movements evolve so naturally. One of my favourite songs, taken from one of my favourite albums of all time.