Lord Huron | The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1 Review

By Bea Willis

Lord Huron’s music continues to walk the line between myth and conjuring wide-open landscapes where ghosts, wanderers, and dreamers collide. Since their debut, the band has leaned into songcraft that tells stories. Lord Huron evolved from the dusty campfire romance of Lonesome Dreams through the darker mythologies of Strange Trails and Vide Noir, into the playful broadcast-concept of Long Lost. Each step has widened their sonic scope while shaping their identity. With The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1 (July 18, 2025), Lord Huron pushes this vision further, taking their fascination with fate, chance, and the strange jukebox of existence into a cinematic frontier. The twelve selections show they are a band about narrative possibility coupled with melody.

Frontman Ben Schneider frames the album’s central conceit through the Cosmic Selector jukebox, a surreal device capable of transporting characters into alternate universes where lives branch and twist on the slimmest missteps. The promotional clips placed this jukebox in forests, deserts, mountaintops, and dive bars. The structure of this allows for a clever metaphor for how fate plays out in any setting, from the sublime to the mundane. For fans of song craft, it’s an irresistible narrative hook.

The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1 threads Lord Huron’s familiar cinematic folk-rock textures with an exploratory energy. Where Long Lost wove its songs through the mythos of the Whispering Pines studio broadcast, this record feels deliberately unpredictable, mirroring the randomness of its concept. Tempos lurch, choruses arrive off-kilter, and lush string passages may suddenly give way to synth-streaked ambience. The band have fully embraced disorientation as a songwriting tool. The mix carries a deliberate “misplacement” with echoes that arrive half a beat late, guitar textures that bloom in odd stereo fields, vocals that sound as if they’ve slipped from one dimension to another.

Lord Huron never loses sight of melody as Schneider’s voice has an earnest croon shaded with ghostly echo. “The Comedian” glides with the tender fatalism of classic folk, as “Fire Eternal” shimmers with psychedelia. “Used To Know” carries a refrain that is timeless enough to belong on that mythical jukebox. The band’s evolution allows them to sketch wistful frontier ballads along medium-tempo rock.

The Cosmic Selector metaphor isn’t just lyrical; it guides arrangement choices, production textures, and even sequencing. The many textures and styles of the album bend cohesion without snapping it. The flow builds a compelling album identity and sonic aesthetic.

In the arc of Lord Huron’s career, The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1 is a continuation of the many styles they have explored. The mythic “Digging Up The Past” wanderers towards their early records. The jukebox spins, and “Who Laughs Last” is a fun blend of pop rock and cinematic hues. The imagery of the songs might surprise you. For listeners who’ve followed the band’s journey, it’s an evolution that comes from leaning into the melody and the stories.

5 Finger Review rates this an 89

Artist: Lord Huron
Album: The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1
Label: Mercury Records

Release Date: July 18, 2025

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.