Boston’s John Lebanon return with ‘Mizuri’, a song that marks a turning point for the band; an evolution in both sound and storytelling that sees them dig deeper into themes of faith, impermanence, and the fragile act of holding on to hope.
Opening with a hushed, reflective verse written years ago by the band’s Matt during his time at UMass, ‘Mizuri’ builds patiently, while layering delicate harmonies. A standout element here is the debut of Gaby Carvajal Poisson on vocals, her voice adding a new dimension of vulnerability and warmth to the band’s wondrous sound. Paired with Roy and Deluccia’s close collaboration, the track balances softness with grit, its immersive production enhanced by subtle details like stereo-shifted shakers and dynamic transitions that give the song both intimacy and cinematic lift.
‘Mizuri’ is a meditation on breaking chains, whether cultural, personal, or spiritual. It’s about finding a way to step into light without denying the shadows that came before. The name itself, drawn from the Japanese rendering of ‘Missouri’, nods to the band’s fascination with dualities: east and west, old and new, despair and resilience. The line “I’ve found this light within me, and it burns the chains that have kept me” sums up the heart of the track, a declaration of self-discovery forged through struggle.
With a full album promised later this year, ‘Mizuri’ sets the tone for what could be John Lebanon’s most powerful era yet. It’s a track that carries the intimacy of indie-folk but leans into something bigger and more timeless; a reminder that even in the most fragile moments, the human spirit is wired for reinvention.
