Meditative but heaving with energy, Lanterns finds a peculiar congruency between futuristic soul and ancient sentiment. Driving orchestral pop (“Lost It To Trying,” “No Crimes”) is placed alongside haunting minimalism (“Pyre,” “Enough Of Our Machines”), often starkly juxtaposing densely layered arrangements with Lott's intimate voice.

Lanterns came on the heels of Ryan’s s/s/s project (with Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti), and his being named NPR's “Best New Artist of the Year.” His third full-length album positioned him at the helm of an impressive ensemble of instrumentalists and singers, including Chris Thile (The Punch Brothers), Peter Silberman (The Antlers), DM Stith, Lily & Madeleine, Darren King (Mutemath), Ieva Berberian (Gem Club) and yMusic (Dirty Projectors, Bon Iver).

The follow-up EP Alternate Worlds reimagined four songs from Lanterns, and included a collaboration with Lorde. These exquisite reinventions traverse unfamiliar terrain within remembered landscapes. Their world is both alien and familiar.

In 2023, Son Lux released Alternate Forms, a track-by-track reworking of Lanterns in celebration of its 10th anniversary.