The Dears have always been an operatic band. You can picture their songs at integral moments in cinema, or when picturing the soundtrack to your life, which according to Krief is a deliberate process (he has previously worked scoring films). Patrick Krief’s full length solo album is no different. It pulls on the heartstrings like no other; it swallows you whole as you get lost in the beauty and heartache he emotes so perfectly. There are moments where it feels like the guitar solos are singing the song, “gently weeping” as the Beatles so eloquently put it.
Every song on this album has what I can only describe as a large, theatrical sombre sound to it. The guitar packs as much emotional punch as the lyrics, as if it were a limb, an extension, like a musical instrument should be to a true musician. With lyrics like “when you left me broke and alone, here I am, lost in Japan”, it has the sadness of wandering through one of the largest cities, surrounded by people yet still feeling completely isolated and alone.
Krief stated in the bio on his website that during the writing of this album, “I was in the darkest place I had ever been in” and that he had to cease recording for several months. Citing the fear of growing older, and making a living out of a career where you are almost guaranteed to make little money (especially with technology and downloading today), it’s relatable on the easiest of levels. Most of us fear growing old, most of us fear being alone and we’d be lying if we said we didn’t think about finances and career choices at least once a day. So kick back, pick up Hundred Thousand Pieces and create your own Cameron Crowe film soundtrack to your life.