|
|
|
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Casey Holford is an embodiment of the DIY spirit in action. Apart from a few friends and guests who make vocal and musical contributions, Holford wrote, performed, and recorded this album on his own using after-hours time at the recording studio where he works. It sounds like Holford brought lo-fi home recording techniques into the studio, resulting in a raw, sometimes overdriven sound that suits the immediacy of the songs. Holford's songwriting is folk-based, and his self-taught guitar style is rhythmic and energetic. The electric-based songs, like disc highlights "Neon Shining Star" or "Summer Storm," are a blend of rhythmic punky energy and 80s pop-rock sounds, and sound as though Holford is influenced equally by Ted Leo and Rick Springfield. The 80s quality is reinforced by New Wave keyboard parts on certain songs, courtesy of Holford's brother Matt. Holford's folk roots show most strongly on the final two tracks, "That Song" and "New Year"; acoustic 12-string guitar figures prominently in both, and the former song even features what sounds like mandolin.
The album art includes a montage of cell-phone camera snapshots, a kind of visual preview of the lyrical style to be found in the songs. Holford writes the kind of earnest, autobiographical lyrics you might expect to hear at open-mic night at the coffeehouse, sometimes seeking greater meaning in slice-of-life subject matter, from the significant, like "Moving Song," to the trivial, like the unsolicited solicitations of "Junk." There's some welcome humor as well, though, such as "Beard Song." Holford's vocals are strong, and he harmonizes nicely on a couple of tracks with guests Yoko Kikuchi and Ann Zakaluk of Dream Bitches, for whom Holford also plays guitar. Stepping out into the spotlight on his own here, Holford really shines as a musician and songwriter, producing a strong and vibrant batch of songs. (mike.03.06)
rating
related links