Artwork: Caleb Gray
(Note: Due to the sheer number of submissions we receive there is no way we can give each and every album the attention (and word count) they deserve, but we can devote time to at least one song from each. So we started this feature to give worthy bands, and their music a spot to shine. We hope this helps you discover new and exciting acts, and as always if you enjoy the music please make an attempt to support the artist by either attending a show, or buying a record.)
By Jesseca Bagherpour
After listening to Asshole Songs and Wasted Cigarettes, the new EP from Writer (aka Matthew Gray, Delves Into the Humanity Pools With the Six Foot Saucer People), I can definitively say that I like this project more than anything Matthew Gray has done with Matthew and the Arrogant Sea. I’m not saying I don’t like MATAS. I just like Writer even more, perhaps because it’s a little less precious (although as a fan of all things twee, “precious” isn’t exactly an insult) and more lo-fi (if there’s one thing I like more than twee, it’s lo-fi). Frankly, it’s more interesting.
Writer reminds me of Ariel Pink, only more listenable and less derivative of Bowie (for all you Ariel Pink fans, I’m not knocking him, but listen to Writer and see if you don’t agree). At times the listener has the feeling of being at the bottom of a full swimming pool or in a tin can with the musicians, but in the best way possible. With Writer (as with MATAS), Gray takes the listener on a journey through his thoughts and dreams. I, for one, am glad to be along for the ride.
Two of my favorite tracks from the EP are “So Clear (The Words)” and “Ask”, but the one I have listened to the most is a cover of Neil Young’s “Out on the Weekend” (from 1972′s Harvest). You may have already heard the song on 102.1′s The Local Edge with Mark, but here’s your chance to download it.
Verdict: Gray’s version of the tune is a good minute shorter than Young’s and it’s much more stripped-down (it mainly features Gray’s vocals and guitar strums) and straightforward, which brings more focus to the lyrics than the music. Harmonica, drums and steel guitar are replaced by faint electronic hums. And the buildup of backing vocals and what sounds like a baby piano at the end is sheer heaven. I won’t say that this version is better than the original, but it comes close.
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