gcn - aspirations of a butterfly

GCN

aspirations of a butterfly
self-released; 2012

3.3 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

GCN is an artist who we  reviewed back in February of this year. We thought his  album this place called earth was an  interesting cocktail of styles and sounds. Prior to this place called earth he released aspirations of a butterfly which is an album that has similar disjointed yet enjoyable style. He combines jazz, folk, ballads, elevator music and more on this album. No, he doesn't cross the genres but rather sticks to one for a particular song. As with this place called earth the constant jumping of genres doesn’t exactly make the album feel cohesive. WIth that being said there are a number of standouts that are good in there own unique way.

The album begins with “Let Me Go” which revolves around vocals and piano. When the drums enter they have this elevator music type quality. In fact, the whole song does but it somehow works. One thing i know for sure is that you won't mistaken this artist for anyone else. Imagine what Pink Floyd might sound like if they took xanax and it might sound like “Let It Heal”. He combines distorted guitar, subtle percussion and piano on this song.

Out of left field is DIxieland inspired “Me Blue”. It’s quite a catchy song that doesn't fit with the first two songs but is pretty darn catchy. I particularly enjoyed the walking bassline. Next up is an acoustic folk song called “little eyes” while “That Final MIle” has a thematic quality.  The highlight of the album is the Elvis Costello inspired “Seasons” which sounds like jazzy pop song that is upbeat and vibrant in it’s own unique way. He uses synthetic instrumentation which gives the song this unsettling quality that makes the music attractive in its own special way.

He closes the album with “The Last Melody” which is an instrumental number that combines bass, piano with a lead instrument that sound like its the woodwind preset from a synth.

One thing this album has going for it is that it doesn't really sound like anything else. Im not sure if its on purpose or not but some of the songs have a sarcastic irony that makes it work.