“An undiscovered diamond, cut to a many-faceted perfection.” That is how MusicTap described Lovespirals fourth album, Future Past. A pivotal moment in the artistic evolution of the duo, comprised of Ryan Lum (instrumentalist, composer) and Anji Bee (vocalist, lyricist), Future Past bridges decades of musical influences into a cohesive, modern sound. After a three year break since exploring Americana landscapes with Long Way From Home, Future Past embarks on a sonic voyage that blends ‘70s blues, funk, and progressive rock with chillout electronica and dream pop. This album both evolves and honors Lovespirals’ musical roots, forging a lasting legacy.
“There always seems to be a song that’s the seed for the next album,” Ryan reflected on The Chillcast. “On Long Way From Home, that seed was ‘This Truth.’ It has the most in common with Future Past in terms of sound and vibe. I’d guess it could live on this album quite comfortably.”
A Long-Awaited Release: CD & Digital Formats
Lovespirals’ highly anticipated fourth album, Future Past, was officially released on January 1, 2010, following an exclusive pre-sale through the Lovespirals Webstore starting November 17, 2009. Initially available in a limited-edition digipak CD, the album was later distributed across iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, and CDBaby, where fans could purchase both physical and digital formats.
To celebrate the launch, Lovespirals offered autographed copies for those who ordered directly from their website. Additionally, anyone who purchased the CD received a free 256k mp3 download of the album, allowing fans to enjoy the music immediately while waiting for their signed copies to arrive.
Lovespirals took great care in crafting a high-quality, eco-friendly physical release that reflected their values. The 6-panel digipak was designed with sustainability in mind, using 100% recycled stock for both the packaging and the tray, vegetable-based inks, and water-based biodegradable varnishes. Even the mailing materials were chosen with care—unbleached mailers made from 90% recycled content ensured that every copy shipped was as eco-conscious as possible. Beyond sustainability, they prioritized top-tier sound quality. The CD was glass-mastered using vintage high-end equipment, offering an audiophile-class sound with depth and warmth rarely heard in independent releases.
Visually, Future Past was just as striking. Lovespirals once again enlisted longtime photographer Susan Jennings for a multi-day photoshoot in San Francisco, much like they had for Windblown Kiss. The album artwork, created by Glasgow illustrator and designer Scott Smyth, featured a close-up detail from one of Jennings’ portraits, stylized in muted shades of sage, cream, and slate, with a hand-drawn, retro-inspired font. A moody cross-processed band photo, including Ryan’s reflection in an ornate mirror, graces the inside cover, while the back cover includes a stylized 1920s-style illustration by Smyth of Anji Bee with her signature bob haircut and the same long strand of beads featured in the cover detail and band portrait. The result was an elegant and atmospheric visual presentation, perfectly complementing the music’s blend of classic and modern influences.
Mastering with Robert Rich & The Exclusive Listening Party
To ensure that Future Past sounded as good as possible, Lovespirals traveled to Northern California to master the album with renowned ambient artist and mastering engineer Robert Rich.
“Robert, our mastering engineer, was our first feedback, and he was stoked about it,” Ryan shared on Chillin’ with Lovespirals Episode 70. “He said it was the best album I’ve ever made and probably the best thing he’s gotten to master in the past year, so that’s quite a compliment.” Anji added, “Didn’t he say this was your best sounding album of all time?” Ryan, “Yes. But musically, he thought it was the best one, too.“
Following the mastering session, the band hosted an intimate pre-release listening party in San Francisco, inviting close friends and fellow musicians to hear Future Past in full. Attendees included B and Heather of Karmacoda, Eamonn of Under, John of Falling You, Drew of Mirabilis, longtime band photographer Susan Jennings, Ashley of Attrition, and Sinikus and Sarika of Below Zero Radio. The evening was made even more special by serving wine produced and bottled by Robert Rich himself.
As Ryan shared on the band’s podcast:
“The main reason for the listening party was to get some feedback. We haven’t had much feedback because we kinda work in a little cave here in Long Beach. We don’t have a crew of musicians here, so we haven’t shown it to anyone.”
Exploring the Sound of ‘Future Past’: Weaving Classic Threads into a Modern Tapestry
Rather than simply revisiting electronica, the album reimagines it—melding classic influences with modern production techniques to create a sound both nostalgic and innovative. It gracefully traverses genres, from the relaxed grooves of chillout and downtempo to the soulful depths of blues and the expansive vistas of progressive rock. Each track presents a unique facet of the duo’s evolving sonic identity, yet a cohesive thread of the “Lovespirals sound” ties them together.
A key element of this sonic tapestry is Ryan Lum’s increasingly prominent guitar work. As Ryan himself noted:
“For the past couple years I really got into my love of playing guitar, which is my main instrument…I wanted to have a song where I could let loose a little bit and do my guitar thing that I’ve been stepping up for the past few years, and that’s what this song ended up being, ‘Meanwhile Irreplaceable Time Flees.’”
The album showcases not just guitar playing, but a meticulous crafting of sound. Influenced by the “golden era of recording” (early to mid-70s), Lovespirals aimed for an “audiophile kind of record,” focusing intently on recording techniques to achieve a warm, organic sound reminiscent of classic albums. One of the most profound influences on the albums sound, was the band Pink Floyd.
The Pink Floyd Influence
Pink Floyd’s influence on Future Past extends beyond guitar work—it shapes the album’s entire sonic and production approach. Ryan Lum openly acknowledges this inspiration:
“Pink Floyd has been an influence on me, not only in David Gilmour’s guitar playing style but also in the production and recording of their albums. ‘Wish You Were Here’ I really tried to analyze its sound to figure out what the magic is that makes it so wonderful. I think it’s one of the most beautifully recorded albums ever made and some of the things I’ve learned, I tried to get into ‘Future Past’…”
Lovespirals’ connection to Pink Floyd runs deep, extending beyond Future Past into their past work. The band contributed covers to two fan-assembled tribute albums organized by the Neptune Pink Floyd fan community. Their dreamy rendition of “Cymbaline” from Floyd’s 1969 album More was featured on None of Us is Pink (June 20, 2005), a massive 3-CD set featuring 49 songs recorded by devoted Floyd fans worldwide. The following year, they contributed an ethereal take on “Welcome to the Machine” for Vol. 2: Return of the Sons of Neptune (May 26, 2006), bringing an atmospheric edge to the song’s dystopian themes. Both albums were freely distributed via BitTorrent and the NPF website, accompanied by complete artwork and booklets. Lovespirals also performed “Cymbaline” live in 2005 and 2006, further cementing their connection to Floyd’s music.
Given this history, it’s no surprise that Future Past carries Pink Floyd’s DNA, not just in its sound but in its meticulous attention to detail, immersive atmosphere, and genre-blurring approach.
As Cadence Revolution observed:
“In some respects, Future Past is an album that is literally two releases in one… It opens with tracks that show off the band’s evolving sound, before shifting into a Pink Floyd-inspired direction—but with a definite Lovespirals touch and sound.”
This “Lovespirals touch” is the alchemy that binds these diverse influences, creating a sound that is both timeless and distinctly their own.
Lyrical Themes: Echoes of the Past, Reflections on the Future in the Present Moment
Future Past’s title acts as a lens for its lyrical exploration, delving into timeless human emotions—love, loss, longing, and introspection—that resonate across past, present, and future. The album examines how the past shapes our present and future, how we carry echoes of experience, and how we project hopes and anxieties onto the future while grounded in the present.
A profound sense of ‘home’ permeates the album, representing emotional grounding and comfort, as seen in the opener, ‘Home,’ and ‘Rain.’ The complexities of love are explored, from the joyful sensuality of ‘Feel So Good’ to the universal longing for connection in ‘Love.’ Existential introspection and doubt surface in tracks like ‘Insignificant’ and ‘Sinking,’ confronting anxieties and emotional repression.
The passage of time is a central theme, with ‘Water Under the Bridge’ urging the release of the past and ‘Believe’ looking to the future with hope. Light and darkness symbolize hope and melancholy, as exemplified in ‘Shine.’ Ultimately, ‘Future Past’ offers a deeply personal exploration of human experience, reconciling with time’s flow and finding meaning in the present moment.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
“Home” – A warm, welcoming opener, lauded by All Music Guide as showcasing “a lovely balance between shoegaze’s love of reverb and texture and the richness of ’70s quiet storm,” and hailed by Re:Gen Magazine as “the real standout on this album” with “best singing the pair have ever recorded.” “Home” blends gentle beats, acoustic strums, and soothing vocals to evoke a “cozy romantic vibe” and a chillout, downtempo feel reminiscent of Air or Zero 7. Gothic Paradise described it as a “sentimental piece” that is relatable, showcasing “smooth vocals.” Anji Bee’s vocals evoke peace, singing about the yearning for home and comfort: “The thing I love the most / Is to be home, home, home, home.” This opening track — the band’s most-streamed song on Spotify — establishes a timeless theme of universal longing within a modern, electronic-tinged landscape.
“Feel So Good” – This groovy, sensual track, considered by Re:Gen to be “positively lusty,” pulses with retro soul and funk rhythms, reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s Trouble Man. Beth Hirsch specifically praised Anji Bee’s “sultry vocal cadences” on “Feel So Good,” recognizing its “range and her sensuality,” while All Music Guide notes its connection to “’70s quiet storm.” Funky bassline, Hammond organ, and phased electric guitar underpin Anji Bee’s sultry vocals which explore the complexities of love, joyfully celebrating physical attraction. Bee’s playful lyrics, “Ooh lover, you make me feel so good,” capture present passion, enhanced by a retro-inspired musical palette and Pink Floyd-esque vocal production.
“Rain” – A slow-burning, bluesy song, “Rain” is a “moodier track” (Gothic Paradise) built on a minor key progression, bluesy guitar runs, and understated instrumentation with “lush, almost disco-tinged strings” (Re:Gen). All Music Guide highlights its “richness of ’70s quiet storm.” Beth Hirsch and Gothic Paradise noted Anji Bee’s “sultry, soft vocals” in “Rain,” appreciating its bluesy and sensual essence. Anji Bee’s vocals express a lament for emotional renewal, embodying the yearning for comfort as she sings, “Your pitter-patter I find so comforting / So rain, my dear old friend, return once more to me.” This “smokey” track (Re:Gen) showcases Lovespirals’ “blues tradition,” blending classic blues sensibilities with their signature downtempo approach.
“Shine” – This atmospheric, downtempo track, identified by All Music Guide and Re:Gen as a “standout,”and praised by Beth Hirsch for its “unforgettable chorus,” builds from layers of Rhodes piano, soft acoustic guitar, and subtle electronic textures to create a “dreamy pop soundscape” (Terry Majamaki) and a hypnotic, dreamlike quality. All Music Guide notes its “build into a multi-tracked harmony from Bee and a gently majestic guitar part from Lum.” Anji Bee’s ethereal vocals deliver lyrics offering hope amidst melancholy: “Oh, we’ll not forget / The light’s not far behind/ Oh, it’s promise is contained / Within each star that shines,” embodying the album’s theme of light and darkness and making it a critically recognized highlight.
“One of Those Days” – A “slow-burning” and “moodier track” (All Music Guide, Gothic Paradise), this blues-infused song is characterized by its understated instrumentation and bluesy guitar licks. All Music Guide and Beth Hirsch highlight it as a “standout,” with Beth Hirsch specifically pointing out “One Of Those Days” as showcasing Ryan Lum’s “stunning guitar riffs, Rhodes, and instrumentation,” indicating its instrumental strength. Anji Bee’s smooth vocals, described as “sultry, soft vocals” by Gothic Paradise, express the frustration of feeling stuck in a bad day and the longing for a reset: “Wish I could stop / Turn back the clock / And start it all over again.” The track captures a relatable sense of bluesy resignation within a contemporary sound, making it a critically favored “standout.”
“Love” – A nod to Lovespirals’ “early styles” (Gothic Paradise) and drum & bass roots, “Love” features a “vibrant electronica style” (Gothic Paradise), with groovy breakbeats (Re:Gen), ambient textures, a driving beat (though still within downtempo), and blues-inflected guitar solos. Gothic Paradise noted its “ethereal” elements, suggesting its broad appeal. Beth Hirsch also highlighted Anji Bee’s “sultry vocal cadences” in “Love,” recognizing its sensual and captivating vocal delivery. The lyrics, “Love is so hard to find / Love that’s returned in kind,” are simple yet profound, exploring the universal longing for connection through a compelling blend of electronic and organic sounds. Editor Peter Swensen selected “Love” as a standout track on the CD Baby Music Discovery Podcast in June 2010.
Ryan explained the origin of the song on The Chillcast with Anji Bee,
“You and I were listening to the iPod, to some drum & bass from Good Looking Records in the ‘90s — stuff we really liked back then from Bukem’s label, and his artists. I hadn’t listened to that stuff for many, many years, and it struck me, ‘Wow! This stuff still sounds awesome!’ It doesn’t sound dated. I had kinda forgotten over time how pretty that music is, how powerful that atmospheric drum & bass stuff is. That’s why I liked it so much.”
“Meanwhile, Irreplaceable Time Flees/Insignificant” – This pairing is a major highlight for critics. Mr. G of Green Arrow Radio explicitly favored “Meanwhile, Irreplaceable Time Flees” leading into “Insignificant” calling it a personal “Highlight on this album.” Gothic Paradise described “Meanwhile, Irreplaceable Time Flees” as a “dreamy highlight,” “heavily ambient instrumental piece” with “excellent guitar work” and “dreamy moods,” while Terry Majamaki noted its homage to Pink Floyd. Re:Gen mentions its “spaced out progressive instrumental” nature and “wah-wah-laced soul.” Beth Hirsch lauded Ryan Lum’s “stunning guitar riffs, Rhodes, and instrumentation” on “Meanwhile, Irreplaceable Time Flees,” while All Music Guide points to Lum’s “gently majestic guitar part.” “Meanwhile, Irreplaceable Time Flees” itself is a haunting instrumental interlude driven by Ryan’s expressive electric guitar, creating a moody and spacious soundscape and thematically underscoring the passage of time. It seamlessly transitions into “Insignificant,” delving into existential doubt in what has been called the band’s “peak Pink Floyd-esque moment” featuring spacey synthesizers, a driving bassline, funk-jazz piano chords, and a soulful blues guitar solo. Anji Bee’s vocals are starkly intimate, delivering the poignant lines: “Trapped in a violent silence I can’t break / I’m insignificant.” This pairing stands as a critically acclaimed centerpiece of the album.
Ryan explained the origins of these songs on The Chillcast.
“For the past couple years I really got into my love of playing guitar, which is my main instrument…I really wanted to have a song where I could let loose a little bit and do my guitar thing that I’ve been stepping up for the past few years, and that’s what this song ended up being, ‘Meanwhile Irreplaceable Time Flees.’
Reflecting on the influence of Pink Floyd’s albums Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here on Future Past, Ryan stressed,
“Again, it’s not just the guitars, it’s the way the voices are produced, the way basses sound, and just the instrumentation, like the synthesizers Richard Wright uses, you can hear some of that on “Insignificant.”
“Water Under the Bridge” – A philosophical, mid-tempo track featuring “laidback but funky” production (Re:Gen) built around Bee’s mantra-like vocals and Ryan Lum’s expansive, echoing guitar work. The hypnotic repetition of “Would have, should have, could have, might have” emphasizes the lyrical theme of reflecting on time’s passage and the wisdom of letting go of the past to embrace the present moment. Its “laidback but funky” style adds another dimension to the album’s genre exploration.
“Sinking” – A melancholic, blues-driven piece, highlighted by All Music Guide as an example of the album’s balance of “shoegaze’s love of reverb and texture and the richness of ’70s quiet storm.” Gothic Paradise notes it maintains the album’s “homogenous style and mood.” Characterized by its sparse arrangement and emotional intensity, “Sinking” showcases Anji Bee’s vulnerable vocals that express themes of emotional repression and self-doubt, reflecting: “Oh but its hard / Yeah its so hard / To say what I mean to say.” The track’s raw emotion, rooted in a bluesy style and “’70s quiet storm” richness, contributes to the album’s emotional depth and praised balance.
“Believe” – The album’s grand finale is an uplifting, cinematic track that slowly builds in intensity, featuring lush instrumentation and a hopeful tone, and utilizing “softly insistent guitar strumming in the vein of Lum’s earlier project, Love Spirals Downward” (Re:Gen). Gothic Paradise notes it remains “on par with the rest of the album” in its consistent mood. The song’s role as the album closer, and its themes of hope and future belief provide a strong and resonant conclusion to the Future Past experience, rounding out the album’s consistently praised sonic and emotional journey.
The Rise of “Shine”: A Breakout Single
The first single, “Shine,” gained online traction, blending introspection with downtempo production. The song’s hypnotic layers of Rhodes piano, softly strummed guitar, and Bee’s ethereal vocals earned widespread praise. To increase accessibility, Lovespirals made “Shine” available across multiple digital platforms, including Mevio’s Music Alley (formerly Podsafe Music Network), SoundCloud, Virb, MySpace, ReverbNation, The Sixty One, and Facebook’s iLike app. Interestingly, “Shine” garnered significant recognition through user-driven platforms. In December 2009, “Shine” won Garageband’s Reviewer’s Pick Award for Best Female Vocals in Alternative Pop, and by January 2, 2010, it had been named Alternative Pop “Track of the Day.” These accolades highlight the song’s organic appeal and resonance with listeners, independent of any specific promotional efforts.
On The Chillcast, Ryan noted that “Shine” was “the first song we started working on for the new album, about a year an a half ago or a two years ago. It kinda set the tone for the rest of the album. It’s a kinda chillout, downtempo, groovy kind of vibe with a soulful blues thing, and we kinda expanded upon that for the rest of the songs.” Anji added “The lyrical idea for “Shine” is even older than that. I originally wrote those lyrics while flying home from our first ever live performances at the 2002 ProjektFest, which was actually just a month before our first album, Windblown Kiss, was released. I was describing what I could see as the plane was taking off at dusk, flying over the city lights.”
Remix Contests & EPs: Expanding Future Past
As with their prior two albums, Lovespirals embraced the remix culture, inviting producers worldwide to reinterpret key tracks from Future Past through remix contests and extended EPs.
‘Love’ Remix EP
📅 Released: July 2010
The first Future Past single to receive the full remix treatment was “Love.” A half-dozen producers reimagined the track, blending elements of drum & bass, downtempo, and ambient music. Featured artists included Chill Factor-5, 7 Day Visa, Divasonic, Soul Whirling Somewhere, Xurba, and Falling You. Several remixes were made available as free downloads on LastFM and SoundCloud, while the full EP was sold on major platforms.
“Feel So Good” Remix Contest & EP
In November 2010, Lovespirals partnered with Sony’s Acid Planet to host a remix contest for “Feel So Good.” Producers were given access to official song stems, including Anji Bee’s main and backing vocals, Ryan Lum’s electric guitar and bassline, and a bonus folder of Sony loops. Sony provided a free download of ACID Express to encourage participation.
Ryan and Anji announced the winners on Chillin’ with Lovespirals #81 in January 2011. The Grand Prize Winner was Yumenomado with his “Film Noir Mix.” After sharing their favorite remixes on a number of music sites, the Feel So Good Remix EP eventually followed in November 2011, featuring remixes from Noizz Factor, DJ Chris, National Pool, Electer, 7 Day Visa, Def Men Walking, and Jack Ketch.
Music Videos: Bringing Future Past to Life
For the first time in their career, Lovespirals embraced the visual side of their music, creating three music videos to accompany Future Past.
“Home” – The First Music Video
📅 Released: February 4, 2010
Premiering on The Chillcast with Anji Bee on January 28, 2010, “Home” was the band’s first-ever music video. Filmed in HD by Anji and Ryan, the video combined footage from their trip home after mastering the album in Northern California with dreamy shots of the band at the Newport Back Bay estuary. The result was an intimate, atmospheric visual that perfectly captured the song’s reflective mood. The video was released on YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, ReverbNation, and Vimeo, with Angelic Voices featuring it on their homepage.
On Chillin’ with Lovespirals episode 74, Anji explained the video’s creative process,
“I started filming on the way up to Robert Rich’s studio to master the album, and I got a little bit more on the way home. That’s when I started thinking this could be really cool for “Home.” The lyrics are about traveling back and forth across the United States looking for the love of my life. Then one day we decided to catch a little sun at the Newport Back Bay, this beautiful wetland. We brought the Mino and I thought, why not just try singing “Home” and then see if I can sync it up? We were just taking home video footage, you know? ”
The video was well-received by fans, further enhancing the album’s early momentum.
“Believe” – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at ‘Future Past’
📅 Released: October 19, 2010
Months after the release of “Home,” Anji assembled a second music video, this time for the album’s closing track, “Believe.” The video featured behind-the-scenes moments from the album’s recording process, combined with footage of various Southern California beaches the duo visited for creative inspiration. This nostalgic montage offered fans a rare glimpse into the making of the album, aligning beautifully with the song’s themes of hope and forward motion.
“Meanwhile, Irreplaceable Time Flees/Insignificant” – Lovespirals’ First Performance Video
📅 Released: November 2012
Two years after Future Past debuted, Lovespirals released their third and most visually striking music video. “Insignificant” was the first video to feature the band performing, interspersed with breathtaking shots of a sunset over the ocean at Two Harbors, Santa Catalina Island—the same cliffside location depicted on the album’s cover. Filmed and edited by Ryan Lum, this video marked his directorial debut and blended natural and studio aesthetics to create an evocative visual statement.
Bringing Future Past to the Stage
Lovespirals’ return with Future Past was marked by two special performances in San Francisco, both hosted by electronica group Karmacoda at Harlot.
February 26, 2010 – Future Past Album Release Party
📍 Harlot, San Francisco
The event featured:
- A Chillcast DJ set
- A Lovespirals meet & greet
- A short acoustic performance by Lovespirals
- A full Karmacoda live show
Fans had the opportunity to purchase eco-friendly digipak editions of Future Past and meet the band in person.
July 9, 2010 – Lovespirals Return to Harlot
📍 Harlot, San Francisco
Due to the success of their February show, Lovespirals returned to Harlot on July 9, 2010, for another unforgettable evening. This time, Anji Bee joined Karmacoda for their stunning rendition of “Motherless Child” from Lovespirals’ 2007 Motherless Child EP.
Meanwhile, Ryan Lum performed DJ sets throughout the night, including a special “Anji Bee” set between live performances by Divasonic and Karmacoda. This exclusive set debuted several tracks from Anji’s upcoming solo album and featured songs from Lovespirals’ brand-new Love EP—including a Divasonic remix.
On Lovespirals blog, the band shared:
“Once again, we had a blast with Karmacoda! It was an honor for Anji to share the stage with them for their epic remix of “Motherless Child,” and fun for Ryan to do a DJ set for the Harlot crowd. Local friends came out to hang. Good times!”
Critical Acclaim & Industry Recognition: A Chorus of Praise
Future Past was widely acclaimed, hailed as Lovespirals’ finest work. Escapings on Last.FM exclaimed, “Crap on a cracker, this album has gotten me so hooked, I can rarely pull away from it. Anji’s voice is like honey, very smooth… Anji and Ryan have done it. And how!” Mr. G of Green Arrow Radio noted, “The latest release from Lovespirals has me softly speaking to myself and smiling. The down tempo music and vocal temptations seduce… happiness.” Beth Hirsch praised it as “easily one of the best chillout albums to welcome in 2010. The album is sexy, moody, bluesy, ethereal—pure Lovespirals.” MusicTap declared, “Lovespirals is an undiscovered diamond, cut to a many-faceted perfection in their new album. Future Past is their masterpiece work to date… With Manzarek-like keyboards, a masterful bluesy guitar, and an angelic voice, the 11 tracks… are not to be missed.” B of Karmacoda noted its timeless quality: “Future Past sounds both classic and yet completely new; it features the most compelling elements of seventies groups yet is completely rooted in today’s electronica/pop/alternative genres.”
Conclusion: A Timeless Masterpiece
With Future Past, Lovespirals delivered an album that is sonically rich and emotionally resonant, a true fusion of classic and contemporary, showcasing their evolution while rooted in their signature sound. More than an album, Future Past is an experience, lingering long after the final note. As Anji Bee’s passion for guitar solos reveals, “Usually my favorite part of our songs are the guitar solos… even though I play a lot of electronica on my show [The Chillcast], my heart is definitely with the guitar.” This love for guitar, interwoven with electronic soundscapes and timeless lyrical themes, makes Future Past a truly captivating and enduring masterpiece, an album that lives up to its name by seamlessly blending echoes of the past with a vision for the future, firmly grounded in the emotional present.