The start of a new year is often thought of as a time to shed the mistakes of the past and start anew — making the January 10th release of Etai’s Bloodletting all the more fitting. The eight-song album is full of cathartic reflections from the mind of Washington, D.C. native Etai Fuchs.
Taking a break from Baltimore, Maryland lo-fi project Moon by Moon, Etai expands on his talents in this near-30-minute release. The atmospheric, acoustic performance creates a warm, easy listen. He describes the recording process as “minimal,” simply using a singular microphone to record the vocals and guitar.
Prior to diving into the songs, I was struck by the pronounced and bold album title. Historically, bloodletting was a medieval process meant to remove toxins from the body. the album evokes a physiological “bloodletting” for the listener, forced to exude the pain of past traumas and begin again. Described by Etai as “a collection of songs about a number of core memories and experiences,” Bloodletting is introspective, healing, and incredibly personal.
The calm and gentle vocals juxtapose the heavy lyrical content, with Etai examining everything from lost love, to mental health, and distrust of authority. The album opens with soft-spoken lyrics layered over frenetic guitar strumming — immediately drawing parallels to indie mainstays Florist and Japanese Breakfast. Album opener “I am an Animal” is a short yet poignant listen, as the narrator describes himself as a “monster.” During the first listen, the song feels light and airy, but upon closer inspection, it is evident he feels trapped, singing, “I am not conscious / my mind is not free” before presenting a sort of “magic” needing to be let loose within him.
Standout track “Lies” is particularly fitting for the election year ahead in the U.S., as democrats fight for the chance to go head-to-head against republican Donald Trump in the presidential election. The song condemns the wealthy and the current state of the nation, declaring, “The rich get richer and the gap gets bigger.” Expertly written and delicately performed, it’s an ominous, yet relevant take on today’s political affairs. On “Song for a Ghost,” we witness the breakdown of a relationship told through the transparent and heart-wrenching beauty of a ballad. With dynamic and potent lyrics, “and you sunk your claws in me with teeth in my skin” destructive animal instincts are once again called into question. The album closer is a cover of Frankie Cosmos’ “Tunnel,” a hauntingly pure take on memory and loss. It’s soothing, innocent, and the perfect end to a thoughtful piece of art.
There’s a definite charm and elegance to Etai’s songwriting and buttoned-down production methods. With this album, he reminds us that there is artistry in the serene and harmony in the act of reflection. Bloodletting is a powerful listen and a promising debut solo record for Etai.
Out now via Blue Salt Records, stream Bloodletting on Bandcamp.
