Ten years on, Spotlights return with the album that started it all – Tidals is now reissued as a 10th anniversary edition via Ipecac Recordings. Out digitally today and on vinyl on Oct. 30. Vinyl comes in two variants: Deep Space Splatter and Pale Blue Dot (webstore/band exclusive), both limited to 500 copies each.
Spotlights occupy the space between a push-and-pull of jarring metallic catharsis and sweeping distortion. Even as either side vies for supremacy, neither extreme ever completely tightens its grip, allowing waves of melodic vocals and expressive sonic sorcery to breathe in the middle. This standard was first developed on Tidals.
Aaron Harris (isis, Palms), who first brought the band to Ipecac, says, “When I first heard Tidals I couldn’t wait to share it with everyone I knew. And so I did. And I have yet to find anyone who isn’t blown away by it immediately.”
On revisiting the material, Mario Quintero comments, “It was an interesting experience opening the old sessions for Tidals. Initially, I was going to just remaster it, but digging through the tracks got me excited and I couldn’t help myself. It was fun starting from scratch and approaching the mix in a new way, while still retaining the same vibe as the original. I’m really excited about the updated artwork as well. Our friend Josh Flowers did an amazing job of retaining the old look while making way better. Can’t wait for people to hear it!”
The band will play a special show celebrating the album’s anniversary at Saint Vitus Bar on Nov. 7 with Torche.
Tidals track listing:
- Intro
- Walls
- The Grower
- Hover
- To The End
- Joseph
Spotlights is Mario Quintero (guitar, vocals, keys), Sarah Quintero (bass, vocals), and Chris Enriquez (drums). The band has released four albums: Alchemy for the Dead (2023), Love & Decay (2019), Seismic (2018), and Tidals (2016). Widely praised for their mastery of heaviness and nuance. Brooklyn Vegan said Spotlights “balances the pretty with metallic sludge,” Revolver basked in their “fuzz-soaked doominess,” Kerrang! declared their music as “heavy and romantic,” and Blabbermouth succinctly shared: “Spotlights is a perfect example of beautiful, melodic heavy music that isn’t afraid to break the mold.”
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