Description

Kendra Smith – Five Ways Of Disappearing – Compact Disc

Kendra Smith’s Five Ways of Disappearing, released in 1995, is a mesmerizing solo album by the enigmatic singer and bassist known for her work with bands such as The Dream Syndicate, Opal, and Rainy Day. This album marked Smith’s retreat from the public eye, reflecting her shift toward a life of solitude in the woods of Northern California. Five Ways of Disappearing captures this change, drawing listeners into a rich, atmospheric blend of folk, psychedelia, and dream pop, layered with mystical lyrics and an earthy, introspective mood that reflects Smith’s journey inward. The album is celebrated for its haunting melodies and genre-blurring style, making it a cult favorite among fans of 1990s alternative and psychedelic music.

Five Ways of Disappearing is a complex, atmospheric work that blends Smith’s folk and psychedelic influences with a distinctive dream-pop sensibility. Her deep, almost otherworldly voice takes center stage, accompanied by lush acoustic guitars, ambient synthesizers, and eclectic instrumentation, including marimba, organ, and even sitar. The album has an organic, pastoral feel that underscores Smith’s connection to nature and solitude, creating a soundscape that is both haunting and serene. Smith’s vocals, often delivered in a low, hypnotic register, add to the album’s mystique, drawing listeners into a meditative space.

Lyrically, Five Ways of Disappearing explores themes of self-discovery, solitude, spirituality, and nature, with Smith’s poetry reflecting an escape from societal norms and a yearning for deeper truths. Tracks delve into mysterious, often surrealistic imagery, capturing Smith’s fascination with the mystical and the unknown. The album’s title itself hints at her retreat from public life and into nature, mirroring her actual withdrawal from the music industry. Smith’s lyrics frequently reference themes of disappearance and renewal, creating a dreamlike narrative that connects the listener to her journey of introspection and transformation.

Notable Tracks on Five Ways of Disappearing

‘Maggots’ – This opening track is haunting and earthy, setting the album’s introspective tone with a blend of eerie guitar and mystical lyrics. Smith’s vocals have an ethereal quality, enhanced by the song’s haunting, bluesy undertones.
‘Valley of the Morning Sun’ – A pastoral, acoustic-driven track, this song reflects Smith’s connection to nature and a sense of peace. The lyrics convey a sense of renewal, and the gentle guitar melodies create a tranquil mood.
‘In Your Head’ – One of the more upbeat tracks on the album, this song combines folk rhythms with a psychedelic edge. The hypnotic lyrics and Smith’s deep vocals give the track a dreamlike quality that fits the album’s theme of introspection.
‘Aurelia’ – A slower, haunting piece with minimalist instrumentation, “Aurelia” showcases Smith’s poetic lyricism and restrained delivery. It’s one of the album’s most mystical songs, capturing a mood of quiet reflection.
‘Space Unadorned’ – This track incorporates ambient textures and surreal lyrics, creating a cosmic feel that reflects Smith’s exploration of the unknown. The song’s dreamy instrumentation and Smith’s haunting vocals make it a standout.

Five Ways of Disappearing has become a cult classic, treasured by fans of dream pop, alternative folk, and psychedelic music for its depth, originality, and atmospheric quality. The album’s genre-blurring style was ahead of its time, embracing elements of folk, psychedelia, and ambient music that later became more prominent in the indie and alternative scenes. Smith’s choice to blend rustic, organic sounds with surreal, otherworldly imagery has influenced musicians seeking to create a similarly introspective, atmospheric style, inspiring listeners who resonate with her retreat from mainstream culture.

The album also remains significant as Smith’s final full-length recording before she largely withdrew from the music industry, adding to its mystique. Fans of Mazzy Star, Nico, and Julee Cruise are often drawn to Five Ways of Disappearing for its haunting, ethereal qualities and introspective lyrics. Smith’s lyrical exploration of solitude, spirituality, and renewal captures a timeless search for meaning that resonates with listeners decades later.

For those interested in deeply personal and atmospheric albums that offer a meditative, nature-inspired escape, Five Ways of Disappearing is a must-listen. It captures Kendra Smith’s unique voice as an artist, bridging genres and creating a richly immersive world that reflects her own journey and timeless themes of introspection and self-discovery. This album stands as an essential piece for fans of 1990s alternative and psychedelic music and is celebrated for its beautiful, enigmatic, and haunting compositions.

Australian Import

Song List
1. Aurelia
2. Bohemian Zebulon
3. Temporarily Lucy
4. In Your Head
5. Space Unadorned
6. Maggots
7. Druken Boat
8. (Interlude) Dirigible
9. Valley Of The Morning Sun
10. Judge Not
11. Get There
12. (Interlude) Saturn
13. Bold Marauder