Cici Arthur Way Through

Way Through is a collaborative album by Toronto musicians Chris Cummings, JosephShabason, and Thom Gill (as Cici Arthur). Inspired by moments of discovery in familiarplaces, the album's title reflects the feeling of uncovering hidden paths in life. Musically, itblends mid-century influences like Jobim and Sinatra, with producer-instrumentalistsShabason and Gill crafting lush, expansive soundscapes. Featuring a 30-piece orchestraled by Owen Pallett, the album brings a grand scale to Cummings' intimate, reflectivelyrics.The project began in 2020 when Cummings lost his job and turned to full-time music forthe first time in his life. His collaborators tailored the arrangements to showcase his understatedvocal delivery against sweeping orchestral backdrops. Songs like "Cartwheels forCoins" and "Prior Times" explore themes of regret and emotional complexity, contrastingthe grandeur of the music with Cummings' quiet introspection.Tracks like "Damaged Goods" provide upbeat moments with doo-wop harmonies, whilethe cinematic closer "No Fight Or Flight" emphasizes the filmic quality of the album.Through its orchestral richness and deeply personal lyrics, Way Through captures thetension between ambition and realism, offering a poignant reflection on life's unpredictablejourney.