Alone in a World of Wounds by Steve Von Till is a very personal album that deals with the question of existence. It reveals a fragile beauty. Von Till is known as the guitarist and singer of the band Neurosis, and here he once again shows his ability to change. He moves away from loud sounds and towards simple, sad music. This music has influences from neo-classical, dark Americana and ambient.
The songs use simple arrangements, often with piano, soft strings and muted guitars. Added to this is Von Till’s special, raspy voice – a whisper, not singing. This voice tells something, it doesn’t play it. Every note is deliberate, every pause is meaningful. The lyrics are poetic and thoughtful, they seem profound. Themes such as loneliness, nature, loss and hope intermingle.
The album feels like a rainy fall day: it’s heavy, but it clears your head. Listening to it requires patience as well as attention – but there is an emotional response that lingers. Alone in a World of Wounds is not an easy work, but its reduction and vulnerability make it strong. It’s an album that doesn’t have to be loud to be deeply moving – a quiet masterpiece.