John Everett Hardin, performing as Bright Arcana, has unveiled his second full-length album, To the Terrible Blood, an evocative blend of introspection and artistry. This album, born out of Hardin’s profound experiences as an emergency room and hospice nurse during the global pandemic, channels a raw and unfiltered glimpse into human fragility and resilience. With Shane Leonard at the production helm, the album was recorded live to tape in Leonard’s studio in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, capturing a visceral and organic sound that resonates deeply.
The Artist
John Everett Hardin is no stranger to reinvention. Over his 20-year career, he has performed under various names and in multiple bands, often changing his moniker with each album release. This pattern, which he describes as “subconsciously calculated self-sabotage,” speaks to his restless creative spirit and his search for identity in his music. As Bright Arcana, Hardin seems to have found a name that resonates with the essence of his artistry, describing it as “the closest thing to a sense of identity” for his music.
Born in a small Mississippi River town near St. Louis, Missouri, Hardin’s musical journey has been marked by extensive touring across the United States and Europe, sharing stages with artists like Gregory Alan Isakov, Pedro the Lion, Over The Rhine, and Sara Watkins. His songs have also found their way into film and television soundtracks, making him a well-rounded and seasoned musician.
The Production
The production of To the Terrible Blood is a testament to the collaborative and trusting relationship between Hardin and producer Shane Leonard. Having previously worked together on Bright Arcana’s Bright Arcana In The Lowland Plains, their deepening trust and creative synergy are evident in this album. Recorded live to tape over four days, the fully analog approach allowed for a raw and spontaneous capture of the music. This method, where all musicians played together in the same room without overdubs, fostered a “holy inspiration and creative trance,” as Hardin described it, where each member’s creativity flourished.
The album features contributions from previous collaborators Shane Leonard (Mipso, Anna Tivel, Josh Ritter), Ben Lester (Tallest Man On Earth, Sufjan Stevens), Paul Brandt (The Cloud Hymn), and Jeremy Boetcher (S. Carey, J.E. Sunde), as well as friends J.E. Sunde, Courtney Hartman, and Hayward Williams. This ensemble of talented musicians adds depth and richness to the sound, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
The Songwriting
Hardin’s songwriting on To the Terrible Blood is marked by its literary lyricism and poignant introspection. His background as a nurse during the pandemic has deeply influenced the themes and emotions of the album, bringing a unique and authentic perspective to his music. The lyrics often explore themes of mortality, healing, and the search for meaning, blending personal narratives with universal truths.
1. Corridors
The album opens with “Corridors,” setting a reflective tone with its sparse instrumentation and lack of vocals. The song navigates through the quiet spaces of uncertainty and transition, much like the hallways of the hospitals where Hardin found a new calling. It’s a journey through the metaphorical corridors of life, evoking the feeling of walking through endless passageways, each door a potential chapter of sorrow, hope, or healing.
2. White Oleander
In “White Oleander,” Hardin crafts a lyrical tapestry that explores themes of mortality and rebirth. The lines “Everlasting, now a hallowed grove of oaks, as white oleander poisons the well” encapsulate the tension between life and death, growth and decay. The imagery of a deadly yet beautiful flower underscores the paradox of existence, where beauty often hides peril.
3. I Wish I Was There
“I Wish I Was There” carries a sense of longing and existential yearning. Hardin’s poignant delivery of “It’s all I can do to wish I was there” speaks to a universal desire to be present in moments of significance, even as they slip through our grasp. The song feels like a whisper to the past and future, a longing to bridge the gaps of time and be where the heart truly desires.
4. Lily of Lake Michigan
This track, a standout with its vivid imagery and lyrical depth, paints a serene yet melancholic picture. Hardin’s voice wavers between hope and despair as he sings, “Death breath just a draft in the doorway, where my body is a barrow, and the toils of my blood will burn like effigies.” The juxtaposition of serene natural imagery with themes of death and rebirth creates a powerful emotional landscape, reflecting the lake’s stillness and the tumult beneath its surface.
5. I Wash the Bodies of Your Dead
Perhaps the most visceral song on the album, “I Wash the Bodies of Your Dead” delves into the physical and emotional toll of Hardin’s nursing work. The repetitive chorus “Now I wash the bodies of your dead, and the only songs I sing, I sing for them” is both a lament and a tribute to the lives he has touched. This song is an unflinching look at mortality, and the sacred rituals that honor the departed, with Hardin’s raw lyrics laying bare the weight of his experiences.
6. To the Terrible Blood
The title track draws inspiration from William Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying,” weaving a narrative of disquiet and self-reflection. The lyrics “Sweet mercy of illusion, Maya’s moving in the half-light, never to tire” are a meditation on the illusions that distract us from our deeper selves. Hardin’s voice, combined with a haunting melody, plunges the listener into a state of introspection, challenging us to confront our own shadows and illusions.
7. I’m Afraid of Everything
“I’m Afraid of Everything” is a candid confession of Hardin’s vulnerabilities. The song’s introspective lyrics, “These colors all around, I wonder if they dream and if they dream, I wonder what they see,” reveal a profound sense of fear and wonderment at the world. The track builds a sense of unease, juxtaposed with a delicate exploration of fear, showing how deeply intertwined our lives are with our anxieties and hopes.
8. Dharma Blues
This track takes listeners on a spiritual journey, exploring themes of enlightenment and disillusionment. Hardin’s lyrics, “Left with nothing but the dharma blues,” convey a sense of existential searching and the struggle to find meaning in the midst of chaos. The song feels like an ancient tale, retold with modern sorrow and wisdom, capturing the essence of spiritual quests and the inevitable blues that accompany them.
9. The Worth of a Man
In “The Worth of a Man,” Hardin confronts the pressures of societal expectations and personal failure. The refrain “I know I don’t understand what shapes the worth of a man” underscores a poignant realization of what truly defines value and success. It’s a tender exploration of self-worth beyond material accomplishments, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world.
10. Unable Are Those That Love and Are Loved to Die
The album closes with this poetic benediction, a meditation on love and legacy. Hardin’s voice, fragile yet resolute, sings “Speak their names and I will rise to dance on my grave,” leaving listeners with a haunting sense of both finality and continuity. The song feels like a whispered prayer, a delicate balance of mourning and celebration, capturing the eternal dance of love and loss.
Final Thoughts
To the Terrible Blood is a masterful blend of literary lyricism and emotive soundscapes. Hardin’s experiences as a nurse infuse the album with a raw, authentic energy that speaks to the depths of human experience. The analog recording process adds an additional layer of intimacy and immediacy, making this album a compelling listen for anyone seeking music that resonates with the soul’s deepest echoes.
For those who appreciate introspective indie folk, Bright Arcana’s latest offering is a must-listen. Hardin’s ability to weave personal narratives with universal themes makes To the Terrible Blood a poignant and unforgettable journey.
