There are certain people in the world who simply operate better as their own boss. Kyle Wagoner of Aloner had to learn this the hard way. Being one of a few drummers in a small town like Frostburg, Maryland, he had worked with a plethora of bands. Early on he did an album all by his lonesome that he ended up despising. He admits to being a bit naïve on what it takes to put an album together at that time. This brought him back to working bands, all the while having a notion in the back of his head that he could do things better. It would appear he’s finally found the partners in crime he needed with Aloner because the latest album, Closer to Home is a solid collection of work. Musically this album takes me back to a place in slacker rock history when MTV was still worth a damn. The songs are lingering, belligerent and possess a tasteful amount of crunch. I dig it. The lyrics stuffed in there are often morose and dank, but hold a very real amount of truth to them. One defining feature of this album is the song length. These songs are short, usually just a little bit more than minute. I kinda got the sense I was flipping through the channels of Wagoner’s mind. Each song is like a thought, comes and goes just as quickly. Admittedly this felt a bit like a tease. The melodies and riffs are so strong and fun and then they’re just gone. At first I scoffed at this format choice, but then I took into account that it is 2017 and who says songs have to be a certain length? I have decided to respect this rule breaking choice made by the artist and not let it bother me. Clearly I have been spoiled and coddled by artists for years giving me standard length times for songs. This album is decidedly a small-town production; however it doesn’t sound small town at all, it sounds freaking great. I can tell there was a specific intention meant to be achieved on the production end, and I can tell it was achieved. Aloner’s bassist Matt Wojcik has a home studio known as The Warren. This home studio also doubles as a venue. The two experimented with a lot of tools including pedals, amps, mic techniques - you name it. It seems they tweaked with everything. The end result was completely worth it in my opinion. There’s a lot being packed into these short tracks, and while I was left wanting more, I was never staining to get the full experience. Everything feels present and highlighted when appropriate. Aloner has managed to woo me with Somewhere Close to Home. I’d put it high on my recommendation list. I do feel the need to warn once again that the songs are short. You might be prepared to let go of the fun stuff happening as quickly as you must. I’d give it a listen. it wouldn’t shock me if you end up hooked as I have.
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