This sophomore album from the Minneapolis multi-instrumentalist and engineer Charlie Bruber brings us 14 soft folk-rock tunes that might bring to mind Nick Drake, Tim Hardin, John Fahey, Marin Courtney or John Martyn. The songs are meticulous and personal, and unfold like a series of journal entries that Bruber wrote, arranged and produced.
The gentle spirit of “Charlie?” opens the record with Murphy Janssen’s thumping drums that suits a light buzzing. “Complexion” then pairs Bruber’s smooth voice and warm acoustic guitar with Jack Barrett’s flowing piano and much sophistication.
Deeper into the first side, “That Way” has Bruber handling synth and Jake Baldwin on flugelhorn via the intimate, cinematic qualities, but it’s the pretty, timeless folk mood of “A Lover” that stands out on this side thanks to the poetic singing and emotive guitar.
The title track leads off the back side, and recruits Bruber’s electric guitar, electric bass and percussion skills that align with the thoughtful storytelling, while “Day To Day” is full of eloquence and Stephanie Ehrlich’s pretty harmony vocals in the heartfelt and dreamy album highlight.
Further still, “Blame” welcomes JT Bates strategic drumming and Molly Raben’s well timed organ to Bruber’s string guitar, and “Vai e Volta” places Carla Hassett on lead vocals and makes great use of soulful ideas in a tune that was inspired by sleepless nights and wild insect activity.
Lyrically, the themes surround loss, acceptance and memory, and major life events for Bruber, i.e. marriage and losing a parent, certainly influenced his vision. The album was fleshed out in Seattle, and the LP comes with an eight-page lyric booklet that complements the mellow, relatable and top notch modern folk sounds that will resonate with anyone who enjoys thoughtful and intelligent singer-songwriter music.
