"Vespertine" is the musical score that This Will Destroy You composed for Chef Jordan Kahn's 2-Michelin Star restaurant of the same name. The score originally ran exclusively at the physical site of the restaurant in Culver City, California since its grand opening in late 2017. The program consists of seven pieces specifically written for moments within the building itself (and even the space around and on top of it).
The sequencing of the album is an attempt to mimic the order in which diners at Vespertine encounter different spaces throughout their experience. "Rumble" is the ever-present hum and ominous force surrounding the immediate exterior of the building. "Entrance" signifies the crossing over from the terrestrial realm into the inner atmosphere of "The Waffle" structure, where the evening begins to unfold. "Kitchen" is an warm, hospitable piece that accompanies a personal encounter with Chef Kahn. "Rooftop" and its celestially-inspired movements often pair perfectly with clear nights atop The Waffle. "Dining Room" sets the tone for a multi-course main dinner service. "Exit" is another transitional piece signifying the end of the main service and setting the stage for a supplemental experience. Finally, "Garden" welcomes diners back into a semi-terrestrial realm wherein after-dinner sweets and beverages accompany reflection upon the evening's moments, all in full view of the looming architectural monolith that is The Waffle.
