Album of the Week: 'Angels in Science Fiction' by St. Paul and the Broken Bones

The prospect of having a baby can be exciting, overwhelming, scary — the experience brings every feeling to the surface.

When Paul Janeway (of St. Paul and the Broken Bones) and his partner found out they were expecting, Janeway processed his emotions by writing letters to his yet unborn child. Those letters turned into songs for the band’s fifth album, Angels in Science Fiction.

KAXE has been playing St. Paul and the Broken Bones for several years now, back when they had a bluesy, soulful sound full of strong brass. Though this album has muted horn sections, the rest of those elements are still there. Now, they play alongside more psychedelic and experimental sounds.

There are clear jazz and funk undertones in “Oporto-Madrid Blvd,” “Wolf in Rabbit Clothes” and “City Federal Building.” Stripped down ballads like “Marigold” or “South Dakota” are tributes to his daughter, the latter of which finds Janeway already lamenting her growing up and leaving.

In thinking of an album made up of letters to your unborn child, you might think it would end up as a glowing, loving reveal. Angels in Science Fiction is that, but also holds much more nuance. There is room for fears, death and danger right next to the notes of love and care to hold.

A tender album to the core, Angels in Science Fiction reflects real life and all of the complex feelings and emotions that go along with it.