Bryan Russell-Lowe is a singer/songwriter and guitarist who just released his debut solo album entitled Circumnavigate. He has been working on the music for the last couple of years and it was recorded in different locations but eventually came together. The songs are a mix of folk, rock and other like-minded genres.
The album starts with “Let Me Down Easy” which contains a warm balance of instrumentation. There's good guitar work here along with a steady rhythm section. Some of the transitions got my attention like the ones around the three-minute mark which felt novel. The vocals are also well done and I thought the chorus was memorable along with the guitar solo that ends the song. “Faults” is fantastic. The acoustic guitar picking is exceptional and reminded me of the style I have heard from William Tyler. The band Fleet Foxes also came to mind. There’s some very smooth slide guitar as well that combines with organ. It’s very warm and inviting. Up next is “Enough.” The pacing and timing is really cool here in the beginning with the drums being syncopated and sometimes slowing down. It’s more of a lonely ballad with a slight ’50s pop vibe. It works well and I was excited to hear what else was around the corner. “Substitute” is a fun one. The picking is again very good and I loved this aspect. I also thought the swells were well implemented. Bill Callahan mixed with a little Andrew Bird came to mind on this track in terms of the vocal delivery. The title track “Circumnavigate'' is also the centerpiece at a little over the seven-minute mark. There’s something about this song that felt classic to me. Something about the vocal melodies and the hook. It’s a warm and slightly melancholy song but also felt full of hope. Great combo that is hard to pull off. “Falling Stars'' is another highlight. It’s intimate, warm and contains more memorable guitar work and also some of the best vocals melodies as well. The energy ramps up wtih the upbeat “A Little Crazy'' and gets a little experimental with “Nana.” The last two songs “The Breeze” and “Breathe As One” deliver the goods as well. It may have taken the artist a long time to make this album but every song was good to my ears. The songwriting, delivery and production is all there. Take a listen.
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