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
Album Review
Big O redefines artistic evolution with “When it’s Not Said, But Done” album
Big O’s “When it’s Not Said, But Done” is a whisper of transformation narrated through rhythm, texture, and space. Across its fifteen tracks, spanning just under forty-seven minutes, Big O sacrifices flash for feeling and ego for essence.
The production feels like an artist who has finally quit chasing something external and is instead listening inward. The flow of the album is methodical but organic, with each track leading into the other as if they were diary entries. On “Free Spirit,” Big O creates a soundscape that embodies freedom in action, with rhythms that propel you forward. It’s one of those rare songs that can be at once contemplative and propulsive, with a slow revelation. And also, “New Found Joy” is an anthem for rebirth.
Big O’s production vision here is sweeping and cinematic, but also intimate. The presence of live musicians gives an organic texture. Jeronimo G’s xylophone on track nine tolls like an intimate conversation, while IB Delight’s saxophone on track ten blows satisfying warmth and longing into the mix. These collaborative moments are the crucial parts of Big O’s unfolding language.
Every choice, from the minimal artwork by Andriyan Robby to the in-house mixing and mastering by Big O himself, is consistent with the album’s spirit of transformational thought. In “When it’s Not Said, But Done,” Big O has created a statement on silent courage. It is an album for those who know that, in reality, real change does not need to be shouted from the mountaintops, but only heard, felt, and lived.
Album Review
W.C. Beck delivers a balance of stillness and introspection on ”A Mostly Quiet Life”
Singer-songwriter W.C. Beck has long been admired for his reflective storytelling and innovative approach that transcends traditional musical genres. His latest album, “A Mostly Quiet Life,” invites you into a realm where quiet moments possess considerable significance. The album spans slightly over 35 minutes and comprises eight tracks, offering a delicate yet bold exploration of life’s softer spaces, infused with subtle rock undertones amidst Beck’s signature mellow vocal style.
At first listen, two tracks prominently establish the thematic duality of the album: “Every Drop of Water” and “Blue Umbrella.” The former features a slow-burning intensity, built around subtle guitar textures and Beck’s emotive vocal delivery. It captures the essence of meditation, reminding us that even the smallest gestures and overlooked moments shape who we are. Conversely, “Blue Umbrella” introduces a different shade of his artistry, filled with wistful imagery and an almost cinematic essence, blending melancholy with underlying hope.
While firmly rooted in folk traditions, Beck incorporates elements of Americana, indie-rock, and singer-songwriter balladry, resulting in a sound that feels both timeless and uniquely his own. Unlike many records that tend to emphasize either softness or grit, Beck creates an atmosphere where both can coexist, allowing for reflection without losing momentum. With this release, W.C. Beck not only strengthens his reputation as a master storyteller but also reminds us that even in a fast-paced world, there is profound power in living quietly.
The album fosters introspection by exploring themes of solitude, ephemeral love, and the beauty that can be found in stillness. It transcends the notion of a collection of songs and is more akin to a journal, a quiet yet deeply expressive chapter in Beck’s musical journey. “A Mostly Quiet Life” serves as a compelling offering, ideally suited for late-night listening or those moments when life slows down enough to be genuinely appreciated. Beck illustrates that quiet doesn’t equate to stagnation; rather, it is within these hushed intervals that music can resonate most powerfully.
For more information about W.C. Beck, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM W.C. Beck’s ”A Mostly Quiet Life’‘ on Spotify.
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