we are not desolate [single reviews]

By Ryan G

Jónsi – “Exhale”: Jónsi, the frontman for ethereal post-rock masters Sigur Ros, has released a song that feels at once forlorn and calming. The song has production that demands to be experienced on a quality sound system. The song, trademark for anything Jónsi/Sigur Ros, has a slow buildup. The climax in this one is almost unexpected. I honestly expected to remain in that dark, desolate place for the duration of the track, before that uptempo electronica burst through. No word yet on whether this is a harbinger of what’s to come.

Kevin Schlereth – “Sting”: I’m a bit late in posting about this Good Friday themed song that was released on the day by which it seems to have been inspired. As always, Kevin delivers a spiritually rich message in a down to earth manner. In the past, Kevin has flirted with hardcore and even incorporated some spoken word, but this time “Sting” is a simple delivery of a powerful truth. Jay Costlow adds authentic agreement in the form of harmonies. In a year in which the troubadour’s routine is clouded by uncertainty, perhaps this song is one he needed to write for himself, and for all of us. Dive into the words. Question them. Ponder them.

Charlie and the Rays – “Wanna Be Like You”: This folk duo with Pacific NW roots have an unassuming quality to them. This single doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and I was a bit unsure about it at first. But it will reward you—and it’s not that long of a song anyway. The power behind the vocals and the apparent chemistry between the duo reminds me a bit of the all-sister trio Joseph, who released one of my favorite albums of 2019. They have their own quirky twist on the heart you’d expect from harmonizing with someone you’re related to by blood. And we all could use a little more peppy folk in our lives right now, no?

Nicholas Rowe – “Lake Michigan”: Most might know Nicholas Rowe as a member of SafeKept, a spiritually inclined alt outfit, yet he shines most when showcasing his own songwriting, which fits more in the Americana realm. While his own distinct sound, Rowe fits in the same emotional family, if you will, of both The War on Drugs and the slower moments of The Head and the Heart. The feel of “Lake Michigan” is one of honesty, nostalgia, and wistful longing. It is malleable to a bevy of moods, from sadness to quiet contemplation. I wouldn’t use this as a go to track for improving my mood, but it certainly fits on a rainy day playlist for the next time I brew some tea.

Don Drapery – “Incredible Creatures”: What was, to me, a friendly moniker I saw on Twitter and Instagram from time to time, now takes a new form. Rather than namedrop the other projects of this artist (if you know, you know), I’ll mention how this song makes me feel. The song is ethereal without being mysterious. It has a feeling like a Sunday morning, reading the paper with your family as you think ahead to the week. It’s a celebration of what is, in spite of any circumstance. Shame on me for not diving into his work under this name more intentionally before now, but the vibe I receive is one of reassurance and perhaps a bit of friendly admonishment for feeling sheepish.

Anna Claire Loftis – “Happy On TV”: Perhaps it’s self-fulfilling prophecy from looking at the title and album art, but I do feel like this song would go well as a soundtrack for a daytime TV program. Not a trashy talk show or a soap opera, but the sort of thing I might watch as a kid on summer break who is just starting to outgrow Saturday morning cartoons. It has that sort of welcoming, peppy vibe, but it demands deeper exploration at the same time. I enjoy the creative use of brass here, and appreciate that the feeling I get from this song is somewhat ironic. I look forward to hearing more from this Nashville act.

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