Tacoma-based singer-songwriter Kye Alfred Hillig returns with chilling tales of separation and sorrow in his ninth studio album, The All-Night Costume Company — all wrapped in an indie-meets-Americana blanket. Following his 2022 In All Colors Singing Back (an album that stretches a whopping 102 minutes), Hillig brings a more concise concept album to the table, chronicling the deterioration of his marriage in 12 heartfelt tracks. But The All-Night Costume Company is much more than just a heartbreak album; it’s an examination of all the roles we play when we’re forced to walk away and rebuild.
And this isn’t the first time Hillig has had to resurrect from the ashes.
We say this, unfortunately, quite literally. Hillig has come back from the depths of human suffering after losing his family in a house fire, saving only his guitar. His family has never heard his songs, which makes him pump them out with fervor. Now on his ninth album, Kye Alfred Hillig has progressed in sound and style… if only his romantic life could be so steady.
The All-Night Costume Company starts with accepting “The Horrible Truth” — the marriage has run its course. Statistically speaking, most marriages end in divorce.. but why do we “open up our hearts for nothing”, as the second track repeats again and again? Why this silly game of love? You never know if you’re going to come out a winner, so why are we so desperate for it?
Before you think this LP is all doom and gloom, there are lighthearted elements.
Like Hillig’s humor, injected into lyrics and song titles, as well as high-tempo tracks that shake up the mood. Consider the downtempo, peaceful tonality of “Don’t Cancel The Fair”, a song about looking forward to fun in troubled times. Or the surprisingly upbeat “Divorce Of Course Of Course”, that has a Celtic folk feel behind Hillig coaxing himself to stop the self-pity and “move on”.
The most stylized song on the new album is “Pain”, reminiscent of a mid-90s alt rock anthem. With layered vocals and a hefty amount of reverb, Hillig expresses that he’s been through the worst — this pain too shall pass. It’s time for a change; it’s time to break cycles. The final track “Cut Off All Your Hair” brings about this resolution, with Hillig admitting he’s seen the error of his ways. It’s time to set the record straight. Again, quite literally.
The All-Night Costume Company is now available on all digital outlets, as well as via limited edition grey-marbled vinyl! For purists, the grey marble is truly beautiful. For more information or to get your hands on a physical pressing today, visit the links below.
Track listing:
- The Horrible Truth
- Ezekiel Bobbing For Apples
- Divorce Of Course Of Course
- Don’t Cancel The Fair
- How Desperate We Are
- Jules Can You See Me?
- Something Is Different
- Our Remaining Pig
- The Mouth That Will Not Speak
- Pain
- We Were Right (Til We Were Wrong)
- Cut Off All Your Hair
Stream ‘The All-Night Costume Company’ album:
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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