Weyes Blood's spiritual wake-up call

Weyes Blood has created the perfect storm with Front Row Seat to Earth — a tropical storm, as there is a warmth coming from this harsh forecast that tears your guts out. Dancing piano leads frolic over heavier piano chords on the opening track, “Diary,” digging deep beneath the musical surface, while soothing vocals power through the instruments, reminiscing about an important death.

Pairing well with a glass of red wine, rich textures bleed through “Used to Be.” The song’s retro gaze cleanses the palate of top-40 radio. Unhinged vocals carry the song, grazing over organs, horns, and a subtle bass-line throb that weaves through pitter-pattering drums.

The heart-rending in these nine-tracks calls for a patient listen. But that patience is rewarded with moments like the elegance of “Generation Why,” which utilizes the bare-minimum of instruments — light guitar picking, fragile synth, and Natalie Mering’s angelic vocals that take you to church.

Front Row Seat to Earth is a spiritual wake-up call that will be hard to swallow at first, but with a diligent listen, it is ultimately uplifting.

• Record: A Front Row Seat to Earth
• Artist: Weyes Blood
• Label: Mexican Summer
• Songs: (1) Diary (2) Used to Be (3) Be Free (4) Do You Need My Love (5) Generation Why (6) Can't Go Home (7) Seven Words (8) Away Above (9) Front Row Seat