How They Are is a collection of candid explorations into the mind of a very talented singer, songwriter, composer and musician. At the bright young age of 23, Peter Broderick's career is already imposing, having released material on UK based modern classical soundtrack imprint Erased Tapes, Swedish indie label Kning Disk, veneered avant-ambient imprint Type Records and most recently on indie label Bella Union.
It is in Berlin alongside labelmate Nils Frahm that Peter now evolves after leaving the US west coast looking for something else, like many artists. After prepping and planning a big studio album for 2010, a knee surgery kept Peter crutch ridden and worst of all, stuck at home. Clearly this wasn't enough to stop this ever creative young man. How They Are was born this way. Locked away, home alone. Armed with his piano, guitar, violin and of course his voice, Peter recorded the seven tracks that populate this record, longing for a faster recovery.
The record opens with Sideline, where Peter's sings alone - unaccompanied and vulnerable, reminding me of old English folk songs, that I've never heard. That is until piano chords intervene 90 seconds in. Human Eyeballs On Toast is another great song where indeed Peter's earnest and soulful vocals are the fucking truth, man. Guilt's Tune is built around a nice acoustic guitar progression that reminded me of Fleet Foxes. Peter's imagination shows great maturity in the orchestration of the modern classical piece When I'm Gone, which is an instrumental piano exploration of great melodic eulogy, of sort. The album ends on Hello To Nils, a track about being on the road that even features a little spoken word.
All in all, How They Are is a beautifully executed, candid and warm record by one of the most prolific young artists of our times. Peter Broderick is young and full of creative gusto and I can wait to hear more of his sounds in the future. Highly Recommended
How They Are was issued by Bella Union September 2nd!
No comments:
Post a Comment