Social Void, a Charleston-based art rock band made up of brothers Chip Cooley (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Brent Cooley (bass), along with Quell Graham (lead guitar), Jesse Tortorella (drums) and Evan Lampkin (keys), released its new album, Lost Media, on Thanksgiving.
Chip Cooley said the goal of the project is to make music that “connects with people in a personal and vulnerable way by combining self-expression and world-building with universally relatable themes, putting a heavy emphasis on lyrics and musical atmosphere.”
The band spent the past four years writing and recording Lost Media, which chronicles a difficult period in Chip’s marriage following the birth of his daughter. The album explores the conflict between people who initially seem aligned but ultimately hold perpendicular views and values. It resolves with a sense of peace that surpasses conflict as everything is eventually lost to time.
During the making of the album, the group also experienced a personal loss with the death of Quell’s father, Marvin, who had recorded djembe parts for several tracks. While visiting, he and Quell had an argument that left them not speaking for a few weeks. Marvin continued recording and insisted on taping an apology in which he offered a heartfelt blessing to his son. They reconciled soon after, though Quell had not yet heard the recording. When Marvin died seven months later, the audio became deeply meaningful to the band and Quell’s family, who approved its inclusion. Chip said he views the recording — featured on the track “The Glow” — as the true ending to Lost Media, with the songs that follow serving as a postlude.
You can listen to album via: