Categorising music is a notoriously tricky task and it becomes even harder when you encounter an artist like Rafe Pearlman who is so skilled at switching from one genre to another.
Pearlman has been part of world folk trio Riveroots and from this experience,and from his solo career, he has clearly absorbed numerous musical forms.
He is now a Seattle resident but this record was made while he was living in Los Angeles. Of the album he says: "I snuck away from LA to Seattle for a couple weeks with studio time booked...this is what happened! Way funkier than I ever imagined doing a record...but that was the mojo in the studio...we went with it".
The album opens with him adopting a Gospel growl for 'Tender My Hate', then the tracks which follow are a diverse mix ranging from roots rock to psych-pop.
His ability to adapt his singing voice is impressive although overall it makes for a confusing listening experience. Effectively, it sounds like three albums rolled into one so while as an audio curriculum vitae it scores high it loses in coherency.
He does, however, hit the bullseye with two stunning tracks.
Morning Light' is a magical song full of eery romanticism that wouldn't be out of place in a David Lynch movie. Pearlman's voice is that of a sleepy acid folk singer waking in a state of blissed out optimism: "The light in the morning makes me happy - she's still alive".
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This track's beautiful summery feel contains a few effective glitchy touches that are also present in the other standout track 'Trip I'm On'. With its insistent rhythmic pulse it makes for another mesmerising ride. It shares the same trippy qualities but the tribal beat and stoner vocals give it an altogether darker feel.
By the side of these two highly atmospheric songs the remaining tracks come across as more accomplished than inspiring. Two bluesy tracks 'Lily Rose Love' and 'Swimming Pool' being particularly forgettable.
Despite its flaws, it does present a highly idiosyncratic artist with his mojo in good working order.
13 tracks - playing time - 42.53 mins
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