Photo by Kevin Condon

On the fault lines of any relationship where one party is burdened with personal demons in excess, two individuals must learn how to walk together without furthering its cracks and causing their own damage to one another. “Tether”, the latest single from Big Bliss’ new album, Vital Return, is that delicate balance where one moves along the path of recovery / relapse / recovery as the other does their best to maintain their place as the steady anchor holding them both together. The weight isn’t always equally balanced, and through the trio of guitarist and vocalist Tim Race, bassist Rose Blanshei, and drummer Cory Race’s sprite craftwork of post-punk ebullience circulating in a dream-dazed foam, the listen is reflective of the push / push effect which the ups and downs of such a relationship can wear on each party. “Where’s the finish line? / When is surrender? / Mourn ahead of time / Collected in embers / On a final high / Or you’ll maybe get better / I am on your side / Gripping the tether,” Race assures, although wearingly so as the listen dissolves into an irresolute struggle. Eventually, that tether may need to let go if the cracks become a sink hole pulling both in.

Big Bliss’ Vital Return will be released August 18th on Good Eye Records.