Wonder is defined as "a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar or inexplicable." And it's the most accurate way to describe the glistening new album from cinematic post-rock godfather LIGHTS & MOTION. Over the last decade, the project's solo mastermind Christoffer Franzen has not only created and further defined this subgenre, but perfected it. Eleven polished new tracks brimming with vitality, vigor and inspiration will undeniably deliver the feels handsomely to any listener. Wonder isn't an option, it's a necessity for those of us struggling to find comfort and consolation in an otherwise weighty world.

The title track is first, and it is the perfect introduction to the album. The tones are hesitant at first, but it opens up wide. Like waiting for a cool cloudburst on a sweltering day, the relief is wonderful. “Tunnel” also enters unassumingly, but ready yourself for the big explosion, like the first firework on the fourth of July. “Scars” is a thoughtful piano led song with an even keel in the vocals. It’s calming, and comfortable. On some level, the scars of the past are still there, but the pain doesn’t seem too deep anymore. Nearly all things can be healed by time.

“Armor” is tentative, and bashful. It reminds me of how someone who has been hurt puts on invisible armor to shield themselves from love, but love always finds a way in, and the love is like a beautiful flower in full bloom. “Stargazing” is a private get-away for someone, and the big crashes of the song remind me of the enormity of the universe. If you stop to think about it, it can be overwhelming. But when you are done marveling at the starts, you slip quietly back inside and drift into a peaceful sleep. “Tidal Wave” is that feeling when the oceans are calm for swimming, but a wave in the distance is ready to descend. For me, that wave is love, hope, and healing, and it envelopes the listener with the light of innocence.

“Daylight” is the time when the sun rises and gives you its energy to start your day. It never matters to me how I feel when I go to bed at night, because the sun will rise in the morning. It rises like thunder in a sweeping crescendo at the half-way mark and is so bright, you have to close your eyes. ““Gold” is often used as a euphemism to describe something good. When you have a gold day, things seem to just go right for you. I wish we all had more of these, because its energy can carry you through the bad times. The tones in the song range from pensive and thoughtful to charging forward knowing that someone has your back. “Oceans” is as peaceful as gentle waves under sunny skies. The waves swell at times, mirroring the music, and the swells are so dramatic they nearly take your breath away.

“Keep Going” is the heart of the message of the album for me. No matter how hard life is, you have to. Take inspiration from the fighting spirit of this song. It builds in layers, each one giving you more strength, and with each layer, you feel more prepared to handle life. Crafting an uplifting album experience without vocals is indeed a challenging task, yet this album manages to achieve exactly that with remarkable finesse. Through its compositions and melodies, it weaves a tapestry of joy, hope, and inspiration that transcends the need for words. In the end, this album is a testament to the transformative power of music and its ability to uplift, inspire, and unite us all. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound messages are conveyed not through speech, but through the universal language of music.