Written between Boston and Beirut, Kite Without a String is an album shaped by distance, uncertainty, and the quiet search for something solid to hold onto. John Lebanon’s latest release blends indie folk and indie rock with subtle Middle Eastern influences, creating a collection that feels both deeply personal and broadly relatable. Rather than offering grand statements, the album finds meaning in small moments, memories, landscapes, and the relationships that keep people grounded when the world feels unstable.
The record follows a thoughtful emotional arc. It begins in a place of restlessness and disconnection before gradually moving toward clarity and acceptance. Early tracks such as “Hurricane Eyes” and the title track establish that tension beautifully, balancing urgency with reflection. The Arabic-language “Maksour” stands as one of the album’s most vulnerable moments, stripped back and emotionally exposed, while “Vermontier (Dusk Edition)” acts as a turning point, its bright 12-string guitar textures opening the door to a more hopeful horizon.
One of the album’s standout moments arrives later with “Self Made World.” Opening with soft, flowing guitar strums that ripple like sunlight across a gentle stream, the song immediately creates an atmosphere of calm contemplation. Roy Souaid’s relaxed vocal delivery draws listeners in without force, allowing the message to unfold naturally. Lyrically, the track shifts the focus outward, encouraging listeners to look beyond manufactured distractions and recognise deeper social realities. Themes of class struggle, inequality, and truth emerge quietly rather than aggressively, making the song feel reflective instead of preachy. The repeated sense that truth itself can be liberating gives the track an understated power.
Elsewhere, “Mizuri” and “Petit Pierre” expand the sonic palette with richer arrangements, layered vocals, and a renewed focus on faith, stability, and everyday beauty. The album eventually closes with the intimate “I Like to Play (17′ Vault),” bringing everything full circle through simplicity and authenticity.
What makes Kite Without a String so compelling is its patience. John Lebanon never rushes toward easy conclusions. Instead, the band allows melodies, atmospheres, and emotions to breathe. The result is a thoughtful, quietly moving album that finds beauty not in certainty, but in learning how to navigate life’s turbulence without losing sight of what matters most.
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Review by: Naomi Joan