Father John Misty
Mahashmashana
Sub Pop Records [2024]
“Mahashmashana is Father John Misty at his sharpest—lyrically daring, sonically expansive, and utterly unforgettable.”
Album Overview: Father John Misty, the moniker of Josh Tillman, has carved a distinctive path in modern music with his blend of sardonic wit and introspective storytelling. After his tenure as Fleet Foxes’ drummer, Tillman emerged as a solo artist, quickly establishing himself as a critical darling with his lush folk-rock sound. Over time, he’s consistently pushed genre boundaries, moving between personal confession and cultural critique while embracing ambitious longer song arrangements—and doing so with an unapologetic swagger. Mahashmashana, Tillman’s sixth studio album, is a sprawling meditation on humanity’s search for meaning amidst existential uncertainty. Building on the grandeur of his previous work, the album sharpens his strengths in lyricism and intricate arrangements. Spanning 50 minutes across eight tracks, it masterfully balances intimacy and enormity, offering a cohesive blend of the genres he’s explored throughout his career.
Musical Style: The album oscillates between rich orchestral compositions and raw, live-band energy. Incorporating woodwinds, strings, and brass alongside traditional rock instrumentation, Mahashmashana creates an immersive, cinematic atmosphere. The arrangements draw from folk, rock, and disco, emphasizing spacious melodies and dynamic shifts—all delivered with Tillman’s signature theatricality.
Evolution of Sound: While Chloë and The Next 20th Century (2022) leaned into vintage jazz and traditional pop, Mahashmashana returns to a broader, more familiar cohesive delivery. It revisits the lush instrumentation and grand scope of Pure Comedy but with sharper execution and streamlined storytelling. Collaborations with Drew Erickson and Jonathan Wilson refine Tillman’s orchestral sensibilities, resulting in a sound that feels both expansive and focused.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Leonard Cohen’s poetic candor, Beck’s emotive arrangements on Sea Change (2002), and the cinematic flair of Bon Iver’s 22, A Million (2016) will find much to appreciate. The intricate instrumentation also evokes the sweeping beauty of Rufus Wainwright and Joanna Newsom.
Pivotal Tracks: “Josh Tillman and The Accidental Dose” shines as a deeply self-reflective narrative, pairing vivid storytelling with a hauntingly cyclical chorus. The nine-minute opening title track, “Mahashmashana,” offers a grand meditation on mortality and truth, blending cosmic themes with intricate orchestration. “She Cleans Up” contrasts with super upbeat vibrant rhythms and symphonic embellishments, injecting an energy into the album that has rarely appeared on a FJM record. “Screamland” captures an apocalyptic tone with sweeping arrangements and the poignant refrain, “Love must find a way,” dripping with irony and resignation. One of the most memorable moments on the album, it embodies both despair and hope. Finally, “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All”—originally released on Father John Misty’s greatest hits album earlier this year—finds its perfect home here. The eight-minute groover, complete with horns, now feels perfectly placed on Mahashmashana, gives its inclusion on the hits record purpose.
Lyrical Strength: Tillman balances biting wit with profound vulnerability, crafting lyrics that resonate emotionally and linger in the mind. His wordplay dissects universal themes with fresh imagery, exploring the human condition, society issues, and personal healing. Mahashmashana arguably contains his finest lyrics to date, inviting both an immediate connection and deeper thoughts on repeated listens.
FATHER JOHN MISTY REVIEW HISTORY
Greatish Hits: I Followed My Dreams And My Dreams Said To Crawl (2024) / Chloë And The Next 20th Century (2022) / God’s Favorite Customer (2018) / Pure Comedy (2017) / Live At Rough Trade (2015) / I Love You, Honeybear (2015) / Fear Fun (2012)
FATHER JOHN MISTY LINKS
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