An architect by day and seasoned songwriter (by night?), Indiana-based Nate Logston is on the cusp of releasing his fifth studio album, Marriages and Divorces, slated for release on January 4th, 2024.
The new album is an exploration of the complexities of love, loss, and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies the journey through relationships. With a keen sense of storytelling and an emotive vocal delivery on top of indie Americana instrumentation, Logston crafts a collection of songs that delve into vulnerabilities to draw in listeners.
Marriages and Divorces open with the lone single thus far, “Water High,” setting the tone for the introspective and cathartic journey that lies ahead. Logston’s voice, rich and textured, carries the weight of his lyrics: “If I had some will or some strength / Might have found a way / Instead I have this day with dreading / Drinking the pain away,” he sings. The production is lush, creating an immersive musical landscape that mirrors the emotional depth of the storytelling.
As the album progresses, Logston builds a tapestry of sound and sentiment. “Exit Plan” marks a midpoint in the album that explores the complexities of life and wanting to rise from the ashes of one’s failures. “Chasing dreams full of fears I’ll never find / I just need an exit plan cause I’m not gonna be another broken man / Feeling like he’s dying,” he pleads. The sticky melodies accompanied by poignant lyrics create a standout track on the record.
The seventh track, “Leaving Lies,” explores the aftermath of heartbreak, trying to move on and focusing on what the future will bring. Logston bares his soul, portraying the pain that accompanies the end of a relationship. “Got the house and both the kids / You don’t need me to forgive / And I’ll be seeking these visions in the night / Focused on what lies ahead,” he sings.
With an upbeat guitar riff and kinetic energy, “My Brother” injects a sense of optimism into the narrative. It is a love letter where he does not shy away from exploring his flaws, but ultimately celebrates the joy he brings into Logston’s life, with lyrics like “My brother has ways of lighting up the darkness / With a sharp wit and a clever turn of phrase.” It serves as a dynamic contrast to the more somber moments on the album, as he emphasizes, “Life won’t be good without him.”
Another standout track is the second to last, “Into Afterward,” a stripped-down ballad that highlights Logston’s vocals. He starts the song in a bit of a self-deprecating way, singing, “I’m feeling more useless every day / Need some more time to throw away,” echoing the sentiment of vulnerability and feeling lost. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the emotional core of the song to shine through, creating a poignant moment of introspection.
Closing with the track “Gradually,” Logston admits “I was hung up with the idea of love / I was caught up in the dream.” The songsmith comes to terms with why the relationship came to an end, and there’s a hint of finality in his tone. The arrangement is orchestrated by incorporating sounds of flute and piano that makes for a resonating close.
Marriages and Divorces shows Logston’s ability to convey the complexities of the human heart through music. With a harmonious blend of introspection and soul-searching, this album is a journey through the highs and lows of heartbreak.
