There’s something unmistakably sacred about the way “Oblivion (Live)” opens the door to 5th PROJEKT’s upcoming EP Live In London. This isn’t just a live version of a familiar track—it’s an invocation. From the first slow-burning moments, the Toronto-based psychedelic art-rock collective invites the listener to cross a threshold, to leave behind the everyday and enter a dimly lit ceremonial space where sound, atmosphere, and intention merge. Originally appearing on their debut studio album Circadian, “Oblivion” is reborn here with patience and purpose, its extended introduction stretching time and deepening the track’s hypnotic gravity. Recorded live off-the-floor at The Sugar Shack in London for the Incorrect Thoughts live band series, this version immediately establishes the EP’s raw, immersive intent. You can almost feel the air in the room shift as the band prepares both themselves and the audience for what follows.
At the heart of this performance is Tara Rice, whose ethereal vocal delivery feels less like singing and more like summoning. Her voice glides between fragility and quiet authority, hovering above the instrumental bed like a guiding spirit. There’s a ritualistic calm to her phrasing, as though each line is being offered rather than performed. Her arpeggiated guitar work anchors the song, descending in steady patterns that pull the listener deeper into its spell. This live setting enhances the emotional weight of her performance—small imperfections and natural dynamics add intimacy, reminding us that this is a shared moment, captured in real time. Rice’s presence doesn’t dominate the space; instead, it opens it, allowing the song to breathe and expand in unexpected ways.
The rhythm section plays a crucial role in carrying “Oblivion (Live)” toward its shadowy horizon. David Pake’s drums and Peter Broadley’s bass lock into a deep, grounding groove that feels both meditative and ominous. There’s a sense of inevitability in their progression, as if the song is steadily walking toward the edge of something vast and unknowable. The pulse never rushes, never breaks its trance—instead, it guides the listener forward with quiet confidence. Sködt McNalty’s ambient guitar textures ripple through the mix like distant echoes, adding layers of space and dimension. These atmospheric flourishes blur the lines between dark trip-hop and gothic rock, creating a soundscape that feels suspended between worlds. In this live context, every instrument has room to resonate, and that space becomes part of the storytelling.
As the debut single from Live In London, “Oblivion (Live)” does exactly what an opening ritual should: it sets the tone, establishes trust, and invites surrender. It signals that this EP will not be about polish or perfection, but about presence—about capturing the unfiltered energy of a band deeply connected to their craft and their audience. Given 5th PROJEKT’s strong history of critical acclaim, radio support, and unforgettable live performances, this release feels like a natural evolution rather than a departure. It distils what has always made the band compelling: atmosphere, intention, and emotional depth. “Oblivion (Live)” redefines it, transforming it into a living, breathing experience. By the time the final echoes fade, you’re left not with closure, but with anticipation, ready to follow 5th PROJEKT further into the ritual they’ve only just begun.
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