by L.C Flowers
‘Whatever Happened To The Times’ is an organic album, with a twist. It incorporates an ambiance of soul, focusing on melody with a couple of adequately fit guests, including the late Gil-Scott Heron.
As a whole, the album tends to oscillate between energetic “Roots-like” tracks to even some reminiscent of a modern take on blues guitar pioneer Leadbelly or even Ray Charles. #DeepRiver #Stupid
Particularly, a guest appearance by indiesphere fave Lana Del Rey sheds a light on the better side of the usually insipid young lady’s melodies [end cynicism]. “Dayglo Reflection” brilliantly places a spoken word sample as the chorus over a simple piano progression. #DaygloReflection
The subsequent utilizes spoken word samples and has a palatable keyboard ending possibly drawing influence from Scottish duo Boards of Canada. #WhateverHappenedTotheTimes
It’s interesting to see how dependent the success of the album is on the subtle ring of the keys and strings. The element of surprise is the volatile turns the album takes in genres from song to song.
Even so, ‘The Bravest Man in the Universe’ doesn’t lack edge displayed in tracks like “If There Wasn’t Something There,” perhaps the best (or most epic as the kids say) contribution to the album; its chorus and earnest lyrical honesty driven by an idling string harmony.
I’d rate the album a 3.75/5 with its shortcomings lying in how it repeatedly removes and provides the energy. “Love Is Gonna Lift You Up” is a perfect example of a vapid version of Toto. The album recovers greatly with “Nothing’ Can Save Ya” but the bullshit jam that is the ending track ends on an awkward note, much like this review. #LoveIsGonnaLiftYouUp #Jubilee
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