Pop/Review Trivial Shields - Here the Past Is All I See

Trivial Shields is the solo project of bandleader and songwriter Christian Carpenter, who assembled a band from the North Brooklyn Indie music scene of the late twenty teens. A scene that revolved around bands such as Cantina (Renata Zeiguer), Celestial Shore (Sam Evian), Tiny Hazard (Alena Spanger), Big Thief, et al.

Trivial Shields' evocative EP "Here the Past Is All I See" explores the complexity of memory, nostalgia, and the moving realization that some of life's most memorable memories may already be behind us. Recorded live in the summer of 2019, the project embodies the unadulterated and natural spirit of four musicians—Sarah E. Goldstone, Ryan Weiner, Jason Burger, and Christian Carpenter—getting together in a Cape Cod garage to create something classic. The EP has a genuine, impromptu vibe to it due to the live recording not using a click track, which makes for an engaging listening experience.

The EP's emotional focal point, "Here the Past Is All I See," delves into the complex and contradictory aspects of nostalgia. Anyone who has ever experienced the pain of knowing that their best days may have gone past would be able to relate to Carpenter's vocal. This song expresses a global yet intensely personal sense of desire and sorrow as it refers to the romanticization of youth and the eerie charm of bygone love.

"Nicotine" presents an alternative taste, a goodbye tribute to smoking's sin. The song acknowledges the love-hate connection individuals have with their vices and the difficulties of letting go, with a contemplative, even melancholic tone.

The final tune, "Prayer Cards," is a somber tribute to the notion that even individuals who are oppressed and aimless can have holy, meaningful lives. It draws on a deeper, more philosophical and spiritual tone, giving the EP's subject investigation additional nuance.

"Here the Past Is All I See" is a masterfully composed piece that asks listeners to sit with their own memories and feelings. It has contributions from outstanding artists such as Julia Easterlin, Anna Fox Rochinski, and Claire Wardlaw, as well as expert mixing by Collin Dupuis and mastering by Bijan Sharifi. Anyone who has ever looked back on their past with a mixture of desire and sorrow will find the EP to be a captivating listen due to its blend of nostalgia, reflection, and raw melody.