Under the alias Worldview, Oliver Shaw composed an album narrating the transitory character of life, success, and memories. ‘Everything Is Temporary’ captures the essence of rock, pop, and folk merged with a blend of both electronic and acoustic instruments, resulting in a unique sound that evokes nostalgia while simultaneously appearing innovative. Every single track has its own distinct individual value; however, together, they encapsulate the idea of transience on a more profound level. The album initiates with “Can’t Come Back From That”, which has a haunting melody and deep introspective lyrics. The track gradually builds up through a slow integration of percussions, guitars, synths, and subtle yet catchy melodies, reinforcing the motifs of irreversible moments. This track then sets the mood for “Chance Is Gone (Gatsby)”, a song stitched in lost opportunities backed with a powerful, upbeat, and anthemic chorus, paired with a catchy yet fast rhythm. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous character hints and reinforces the idea of striving for something invaluable that is out of reach.
The song transforms into a more mysterious, almost sinister tone with “We walk among you”. The synth-backed arrangement paired with shadowy imagery gives it a quasi-cinematic feel. On the other hand, “In the Shop” is dreamy and profound at the same time, where mundane day-to-day visuals are used to symbolize deeper meanings of rejuvenation and reconstruction. “The Exceptions” is among the standouts of the album with its emotional lyrics and memorable melody. The addition of the violins gives a powerful touch of feeling to the song which is already deeply reflective. “An Incantation” follows next with one of the more ambient pieces on the album because of its hypnotic rhythm and the rest of the instrumentation. “This House” is one of the most lyrically touching songs of the album, and at the same time, it combines soft sounds with the feeling of nostalgia for home, memories, and, within everything, time. “Artifacts & Heirlooms” continues this theme through rich narrative and acoustic instruments, painting images out of history, legacy, and the sentiments tied to the objects we tend to take for granted.
“A Force of Nature” amplifies the energy yet again, incorporating elements of rock and folk blended together with lively instrumentation and powerful vocals. The energizing beat accompanied by harmonies makes it one of the more motivational pieces on the album. “Simpler Times” does exactly the opposite- the reflective piece allows for deep nostalgic self-thought while accepting that returning to the past is but an impossibility. Finishing with the strikingly descriptive title, “Here Until You’re Not” is an emotional and slightly harder-hitting closer that does not come off as strict or harsh, unlike most albums. The blend of repeated motifs and sparse instrumentation makes it feel more delicate, even dreamy, while giving off encouraging and hopeful vibes which further outlines the theme of the entire album. ‘Everything Is Temporary’ represents another remarkable creation by Worldview. Their detailed instrumental compositions are engaging throughout the entire album, as every single track works towards the unifying theme of the album. Not only does this album seek to entertain, but it also enlightens the audience to contemplate and process various emotions.
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