Nighthawks is an astounding painting. One of the finest artistic achievements when it comes to capturing the spirit of mid and post-war America and the commuter lifestyle. Life on the road, as so many found in rebellious pockets of biker gangs like the Hell’s Angels or in the sanctity of diners, the no man’s land of any city, was appealing. For those who followed in its footsteps and felt the impact of this painting, from Bob Dylan to Tom Waits, there is a heaviness to the experience. A sense of finding yourself in these lost locations, the places to commune, as The Fullers put it. Their adaptation of the painting is, too, an adaptation of the experiences of no man’s land, of being in a place nobody is present yet a place filled with stories and shared experiences.
And in those experiences in the emptiness of a diner somewhere out there is a warmth. For those who can enjoy the isolation, the dimly lit moments in some off-road venue, or intimacy with a few close friends, A Place to Commune will provide a staggering familiarity. There is no greater calm after a day of travel, death-defying driving or dull train delays, than being seated in a diner where being bothered is low on the agenda. A place to space out and recount the day, to catch your mind up on its thoughts in the comfort of a public area, safe from conversation with others. Yet the diner as a place in the cold, as it is on A Place to Commune is a social space too. It is a multitude location where experiences of familiarity and friendship blossom, and at the same time isolation prevails. The Fullers have struck gold with this line of writing, a style which questions the limbo of those formed by these experiences.
Isolated vocals and a charming, soft instrumental make for a delicate line. An intense interest spawned by the powers The Fullers have at their disposal here. Make no mistake, this is the sort of song which defines artists. A bold project, filled with the weight of isolation in communal spots. A Place to Commune is a fascinating piece which has flickers of a comfortable favourite on first listen – but placing that feeling is the same struggle felt in the eateries which feel like home, and yet are so far removed from what we have experienced. Such is the joy of The Fullers whose musical style floats from genre to genre, this time finding comfort in what you can consider, even temporarily, a home.
A Place to Commune is a charming piece of work, one which builds from its cover art imagery and finds the time to connect with loved ones. It sounds broad but the specifics The Fullers utilise here is a wonderful experience. They are building something big, the broader sounds are utilised well. There is a focus in their lyrical direction which feeds those lonely souls secretly looking for connection in their time of isolation. But there is also room to breathe for those who desperately, genuinely, want a moment alone. Those thrills of isolation and the joys of companionship come with a strength to them often heard in this style of music. But for The Fullers it is much more than this – and is adapted exceptionally well in turn.
Discover more from Cult Following
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
