Niacin Library - the vulture and the sun

Niacin Library

The Vulture and the Sun
self-released; 2013

3.6 out of 5

By Eva Cantillo

Many people know niacin as a vital vitamin that is necessary in a healthy diet, yet this concept has been repurposed to supplement your library of music. Richard Guinn is the mind behind Niacin Library and has recently released the album titled The Vulture and the Sun. The record was produced at home and maintains the quality of truthful acoustic soul-rock. Guinn admits he tries to stay utterly true to the sound that is created when he plays live shows; this desire has been achieved (even though I have never heard him live) because one can easily imagine the sounds of this album just flooding any concert hall or small-town venue in Anywhere, U.S.

The first song on the album brings you up to speed with Niacin Library’s style and his attribution to vultures, “Death Woke on Saturday (Vulture of Man.)” In the song he mentions beds of roses and waking up “off my cloud” and he also animates the flying creature metaphorically; “I’ll steal your love, and then I’ll steal your plans, I am the vulture of man.” The next song is in contrast to the previous song in regards to love and how one goes about a relationship. From the beginning the vocals are a bit deeper and sultrier, the lyrics include “I will never let you go, I promise now…” Yet, there is a twist in the sentiments, because he goes on to clarify that the promise is made for “today” and “I promise now and through this hour.” Perhaps this is another animation of the vulture’s way of life.

The next song “Mesa Town” has a really catchy sound and the guitar notes innately create a head nod. The infectious and beat-like vocals of “treasure, precious, lessons now, cake for cake and pound for pound,” anchor the song and add some illustrations that are both visual and conceptual.

The music that makes up The Vulture and the Sun is very solid and true to alternative rock. One can be reminded of acoustic songs once produced by Incubus for example. There is interesting metaphors and beautiful poetry found within each song and the simple yet appealing guitar chords come together to create a song that anyone can sing along to and perhaps even relate to.  

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