I have been giving this album some serious spinning for the last month or so and it is indeed a seriously great listen. The album officially saw its release on Jan. 24th (this past Tuesday) over on Crossroads of America. The album is available on all your favourites; space age digital, retro CD and exclusive vinyl – of which I recommend the latter…but more on that below.
First off, let us get one thing straight, this album is a creeper. This album, while seemingly an innocent folksy little collection of mellow singer songwriter jams, is just soo much more and you really realize it from repeated listening. This album grows on you because it is something that you dig into instead of let play in the background…which all too many people do with “folk” music in general. If this happens to you with albums, please return to “Baptist Girls” as it unfolds soo immensely that I can’t see anyone not enjoying it. Well, those that come to a blog called Slowcoustic should all know what I mean.
The album has an eerie comfort attached it with what could be described as it’s honest laments and life observations that just so happen to be attached to music. These songs are performed with sincerity and you know it – especially with lyrics chosen of self deprecating and inner moments that most of us only think to ourselves. All sung over acoustic guitar and moody synth in the ether that surrounds you as the listener. Even being an apparent “lo-fi” recording it sounds full but doesn’t lose the intimacy that is apparent in Bro. Stephen’s recordings.
Listen: “Tears on Tape” – Bro. Stephen
Okay, I said “more on that later” in regards to the vinyl. I recommend the vinyl version of “Baptist Girls” as it is a phenomenal album in general, so there is that. It also forces you to listen to the album outside what might traditionally be where you hear most albums these days…your computer. Unless you have a nice set up, you want to hear this album in its fullness on a home stereo and vinyl usually makes this the only option. Bro. Stephen provides a delicate folk(ish) album that you can play loud and immerse in… yes, honestly it does really work. As a bonus, it is on lovely green vinyl, aaaaaaand it is where to get two bonus tracks:
So there you have it, best new music and a great album that I fully recommend. So swing by Crossroads of America to pick up your copy by clicking HERE.
Find more on Bro. Stephen: XRA Records | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Purchase at Bandcamp
~Smansmith