![]() ![]() The heavy instrumental for “ A Lenticular Slap” reminds me of some Primus-style songs before delving into some very fantastic lyrics – 70s era with a little bit of Ben Harper influence. It’s got some 70s and eastern influences to create a groovy sound that fills as the track continues. The instrumental bridge is another mid-range electric guitar solo above a feverish violin and acoustic guitar chords. “ Rang Dizzy” has some jammy loose fingerpicking while remaining energetic and moving. The second track, which is one of my favorites not only on the album, but of the year, is rooted in acoustic instruments – guitar and violin. It begins with a huge and intricate guitar progression where he shreds and melts the listeners collective face for about a minute before slowing down and singing in a delightful retro style. With the title of opening track, Walker almost just comes out of the gate by pointing the starting pistol at his foot, “ Striking Down Your Big Premiere.” On it, Walker manages to show his range from grunge rock to symphonic touches with incredible intimacy. Supported by John McEntire of Tortoise who produced, engineered and contributed some synths, keyboard and vibraphones, the album has a full studio of musicians who aid the guitarist and singer’s retro, psychedelic sound. “Course In Fable” explodes with sound from the shy singer-songwriter. It’s been five years since I listened to Walker, I was able to find the 31-year-old singer-songwriter from Rockford, Illinois again after he released his 10th studio album Apvia Husky Pants Records from his new home in New York City. At that time, he was compared to Nick Drake for his fingerpicking and singing style that are both eerily similar to the late English troubadour. I first heard of singer-songwriter Ryley Walker from “Primrose Green” his 2015 sophomore release on Dead Oceans. Or maybe he wanted us to forget about him. Or, there will be an artist that I liked, and then, somehow forgot about. I’ll pick up an artist and listen to their entire back catalog and then not listen to them for months – like Frank Zappa. It’s also the same way that I listen to music. ![]() Most of the time it’s because I get caught up in one project or another and everything else falls by the wayside until I’m done. In fact, I’m usually that guy, and I don’t have a pandemic as an excuse. I think we can all be thankful for the vaccine and not just for bottomless mimosas. On Sunday I saw someone at brunch who was celebrating her first time in public in a year. ![]() Call it, pandemic forgiveness, if you will. I think now more, you have to give a pass to that friend who disappeared for a while and then showed up again. ![]()
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