Featured
Long Neck Releases The Introspective “Soft Animal”
Introspection, self deprecation and sadness are the words of the day for our review of Long Neck’s latest full length album, “Soft Animal.” It’s the fourth album from the folk band, and it continues the bands signature style of down-to-earth folk music that also speaks out on darker themes.
Folk music is a breeding ground for discussion and commentary on deeper topics. The genre is predicated on its songwriting, with simpler arrangements and songs that are meant to mean something. This is something Lily Mastodimos and her band are more than aware of. To this end, “Soft Animal,” takes full advantage of this, sending a strong message on self worth.
The song “Ants,” for example opens with the lines “If I can’t put a pen to paper, what good am I.” It’s a shockingly common sentiment among people in the modern era, where self worth is tied to superficial ideas of what you’ve accomplished. It leaves many people feeling boxed in and depressed, and the songs address this. If anything, “Soft Animal,” is incredibly relatable for many people.
This sentiment is echoed by other songs like opening track “Evergreen,” where the singer bemoans her inaction and how she’s wasting precious time. But between it all, moments of levity are added in. In “Ants,” lines like “I need to get out of this room, I need the space to follow through,” show that sometimes all you need is a bit of room to breathe and explore yourself.
As with many folk albums, the songwriting is key to whether a folk album lands or not, and we’re happy to say that “Soft Animal,” is excellent in this regard. It makes fantastic use of its genre to provide a spectacle of storytelling. Every song contains musical choices that carry weight and make strong use of the limited sound of folk albums.
Singer Lily Mastrodimos’ also carries a lot of the album, with her voice carrying powerful emotional gravitas in every line. The emotion of every song comes through, from the tired and weary tones of “Gardener,” to the celebratory, joyful vibes of the title track “Soft Animal,” and even the angrier takes of “558,” which adds harsh synths to the mix.
“Soft Animal,” is a strong showing for Long Neck, with brilliant use of their medium to produce a lovely little album. Echoing our sentiment from earlier, “Soft Animal,” is painfully relatable, especially for anyone who’s ever been unsure of themselves. It touches on topics with care and understanding, and on top of that it just sounds great. We can’t wait for what the band comes up with next.
https://longnecklass.bandcamp.com/
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Artist Spotlight
Reese Weil released an EP, “Beatwave”
Reese Weil is a Bay Area musician who recently released an EP called “Beatwave.” This EP is a mix of hip-hop, rap, and rock that has been very popular among listeners. You can find it on all major streaming platforms.
The EP was released on February 14th, 2024, featuring other famous artists such as Nef the Pharaoh and Scando the Darklord. Each song on the EP is unique and showcases the talents of its collaborators. The EP is an excellent representation of the Bay Area’s music scene.
“Beatwave” is a great EP that has something for everyone. From catchy rhythms to meaningful lyrics, it will keep you entertained. Some of the best tracks on the EP are “Day Drinkin’,” “Night Ain’t Over,” and “Summer Love.” These songs showcase Reese Weil’s great melodies and guitar skills. Other tracks like “Wild Side” and “Airplanes” highlight the tremendous rap skills of Nef the Pharaoh and Scando the Darklord.
The EP is about 19 minutes long, and it’s a celebration of creativity and unity. It’s a great example of how different genres can come together to create something amazing. “Beatwave” will make waves in the music industry and establish Reese Weil as a great artist to watch out for.
Featured
Luanne Hunt Paints a Vivid Picture of Addiction on “The Vice”
Luanne Hunt’s “The Vice” is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the highs and lows of a gambler’s life. With its rich imagery and introspective lyrics, the song captures the essence of addiction and the isolation that often comes with it.
Hunt’s vocals are the perfect vehicle for this emotional journey, delivering raw vulnerability and warmth with every line. Her voice is melodic and captivating, drawing the listener in and immersing them in the story of the protagonist.
The instrumentation of “The Vice” is minimalistic yet impactful. The piano and violin blend seamlessly to create a rich and textured sound, mirroring the emotional depth of the lyrics. There is a sense of intimacy in the arrangement, as if the listener is sitting in a quiet corner of a dimly lit lounge, enveloped by the melancholic strains of the music.
The lyrics depict the life of a seasoned gambler, referred to as the “king of clubs,” who thrives on the adrenaline rush of gambling. His life is a series of solitary journeys from one gambling haven to another, with the casinos of Vegas, Reno, and Jean being his mainstays. Despite his successes and the reputation that precedes him, the gambler experiences profound loneliness, hinted at by his solitary drinking habit and the mention of fleeting romantic encounters. The recurring refrain, “He’s in paradise with a pair of dice,” encapsulates the gambler’s dual existence in moments of ecstasy and isolation.
Through “The Vice,” Hunt masterfully explores the seductive and destructive nature of vices. She paints a vivid picture of a man consumed by his addiction, finding fleeting moments of euphoria in the midst of profound loneliness.
For those interested in exploring similar themes through music, Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue” and Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” offer nuanced takes on life’s gambles, both literal and metaphorical. In literature, Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “The Gambler” provides a profound psychological exploration of gambling addiction. Visually, the paintings of Paul Cézanne, particularly his card player series, capture the tension and concentration of gamblers in a different medium.
Overall, “The Vice” is a poignant and introspective piece that showcases Hunt’s talent as a songwriter and storyteller. With its relatable themes and haunting melody, this song is sure to resonate with listeners and leave a lasting impression.
–Toby Jenkins
