Album Review

Wastelander’s New Album “What is Left of Me”

From the poetic folk-rock rundown that we encounter in “Get Older” to the more eclectic feel of “Room Full of Elephants,” the pastoral qualities found in “Broken Leg,” and simplistic melodicism of the rather rousing “Never Trust a Man,” there’s scarcely a moment in Wastelander’s new album What is Left of Me where veteran singer/songwriter Cooper Formant doesn’t sound completely at ease in the recording studio. It can be said that he’s turned in some quality work before now, I think that this latest effort might just be the most confident he’s ever sounded. Under the Wastelander moniker, Formant goes out of his way to reject the filler that many in his age group have come to lean on when crafting a new album, instead favoring a concept that gets back to the basics of folk-rock rhythms and haunting new school harmonies while still allowing himself to explore his depth as a songwriter and arranger. The aptly titled What is Left of Me covers a lot of ground both emotionally and artistically, and I think it’s this player’s most intriguing work to date.

The tempo is as expressive as any of the melodies are in “I Just Want to Be Your Friend (featuring Erin Rae),” the mildly restless “Figure it Out,” superbly paced “Caduceus” and the churning yet wistful “Be Where (also with Rae),” and from where I sit, I think it was important to make it as prominent a feature in What is Left of Me as it wound up being. There’s a great warmth to the fretwork we find throughout this tracklist, and honestly, had the rhythm not been given a little extra panache from Formant, I’m not sure that this record would feel as multidimensional and versatile as it does in this particular instance. Formant’s vocal is challenged for authority over the harmony in “Natural Light” and the similarly absorbing “Get it Right,” but even when the backing instrumentation is giving him a serious run for his money, I don’t believe there’s ever a moment in this LP where he isn’t sounding like the true star of the show from top to bottom. What is Left of Me sports a terrific production quality, but it’s clear to me that all twelve of its obstinate songs would likely sound just as charming in a stripped-down arrangement as they do here.

If what I’m hearing in this latest release from Cooper Formant is essentially just a taste of what he’s planning on filling this unfolding chapter in his career with, then I think it would be safe for his fans and critics to assume that he’s far from finished as a singer/songwriter. Formant has magnificent energy and enthusiasm in this album that is reminiscent of some of the best singers to pick up a guitar, and if he’s able to bring the same trademark tonality he’s injected songs like the title cut and “As You See” with here, I believe he’s going to see a lot more success on the mainstream side of the industry than he has in previous outings in bands like the Fluids. He’s not necessarily breaking any rules in What is Left of Me, but he’s signifying some outstanding consistency as an artist.

Christian Gardenhire

Related Topics:album review folk rock wastelander

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Album Review

Cashus King & Big O deliver a 14-track journey of growth with “Water to Wine” album

Hip hop duo Cashus King and Big O release their new concept album “Water to Wine,” which is about transformation, faith, and purpose. The album is inspired by the miracle at Cana in the Book of John, where water is the raw human potential, and wine is the final stage of growth, formed by pressure, time, and belief.

The opening track, “Barry Water,” sets out the theme of origin and unspoiled energy, while “LikWid (Big Fish)” dives into the depths of identity and survival. “Precipitation” is a change under pressure, and “Cherry Cola” is a reflection that balances life’s sweetness with reality. “Streams” has an emotional flow and direction, and “Drownin’” has a weight of struggle and internal conflict.

“Hydration (Reign)” provides strength and renewal, then “Drippin (Soakin Poems)” shows creativity flowing through lived experience. “Potions” addresses transformation as self-crafting, and “Swimmin’” addresses endurance in the face of adversity. “Holy Water” gives a feeling of cleansing and Spiritual introspection, while “Like Lava for Water” balances heat, pressure, and transformation in movement.

The final part of the album, “Dark Agua,” continues the story with an exploration of self-awareness in the shadows, and “Wine” closes out the album as the pinnacle of transformation. The album includes guest appearances from Blu, Fashawn, L.O.U., P-Rawb, Big Tone, G-HOLY, Frannie EL, and Shari and is a body of work about becoming who you were always meant to be.

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Album Review

C’batch returns with “C’batch – The Vault 2 Soul/R&B/Pop/ Rock/Reggae,” a multi-genre story of emotion and identity

C’batch is back with a bang with a powerful new project titled “C’batch – The Vault 2 Soul/R&B/Pop/ Rock/Reggae,” a 20-track album that expands his archive series with a bold mixture of genres and emotional storytelling. It runs through soul, R&B, pop, rock, and reggae, and creates a large musical space that is personal and expressive.

The album opens up a space for reflection and openness, with “Will This Be the Last Time?” hinting at uncertainty and emotional finality, creating a reflective tone for the project. “Giving You All My Love” is a song of devotion, with warm melodies and an emotional center, while “The Word Is Out (Will I Get Over You?)” is a pop sound with soulful introspection delving into inner conflict.

“Found What’s Right for Me” is about clarity and self-discovery in a more tender emotional space, and “Hey Victoria” is a more direct human connection moment. “Call on Me” brings in an element of reach and emotional dependence, while “Round & Round” echoes repetitive thoughts and patterns in relationships. “Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” is a promise of emotional strength and growth. “All Things Are Possible” is positive and open to change, and “Can I Hold On?” is mature with openness and emotional tension.

The album ends with “Mi Wan Yu Fi) Rock Dat Pum Pum,” a reggae track that brings with it a dose of rhythm, energy, and cultural flavor. This project is about going back to different parts, and each song is a moment, a feeling, or a question that still resonates. “C’batch – The Vault 2 Soul/R&B/Pop/ Rock/Reggae” is an unbound expression, fueled by emotional truth and genre freedom.

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