The new full length from this solo singer/multi-instrumentalist exhibits a fuller, richer production than the Observatory EP (released on Mick Turner's King Crab label), but lacks that record's focus that brings Early's abstract soundtracks into coherence. Early's modus operandi is to center his songs around the vocal line, and the other instruments-most commonly acoustic or clean electric guitar, occasionally keyboards and drums-provide subdued accents and unexpected, understated flourishes. The instrumental parts are broad, wide open spaces that expand beyond the melody established by the vocal, yet are as effectively evocative as they are sparse.
When it works, this method is like conjuring: drawing something wonderful out of seemingly nothing. "Phonecall Away," for instance, has a lovely melody that washes up and fades back like waves, buoyed by occasional hums of a steel guitar. Two other guitar tracks, picked and strummed respectively, play against each other. The recording is so clear and so intimate one feels as if one is sitting inside the song itself.
Unfortunately, none of the other tracks meet this high standard. Many, such as "I Will" and "Street by the Sea," seem undeveloped. The vocal melodies are simplified to the point of non-existence, which exposes the sparse instrumentation as directionless trappings. Without the fragile core that binds his stronger work, the songs devolve into a loose tangle of bland tones.
The record does benefit, however, from a very strong closing in "Casual Listener," which is nine minutes of a blissful picked acoustic guitar morphing into glitchy, chiming synths, all woven around a vocal melody so simple yet perfectly realized that it's hypnotic. It evidences Early's ability to hone his songs down to their essence and create delicate filigree that is astonishingly enchanting. It's just too bad it only works on a couple of these songs.
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