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Tuesday, February 08, 2005  Summer at Shatter Creek's second full-length, 'All The Answers', arrived in my mailbox today, ordered straight from Badman well ahead of the March 29th release date... and I'm totally floored. It's a meticulously crafted, layered, and heartbreakingly beautiful piece of work. One person, lots of instruments, nine songs, and thirty-five minutes, it so easily follows through on the promise of the pre-released mp3, 'Your Ever Changing Moods'.
Craig Gurwich's falsetto has never sounded stronger, at times more delicate, and so haunting. The disc has such a perfectly sequenced flow, and gorgeously personal production that makes the whole thing sound as if it's wrapped up in a warm, comfy blanket. It's one of those albums that, despite the oft-sad subject matter, can uplift in it's simple existence. There's so much attention to detail; sustained piano lines, subtle harmonies, and distant feedback appear and disappear like waves, tastefully applied percussion comes in and out and is never obtrusive. It's one of those discs that generously rewards repeated listens on a nice set of headphones, revealing something new each time through. There are shades of Sparklehorse, slight hints of Elliott Smith, but honestly, comparing this to anyone else might only serve to lessen it's impact... it exists as it's own self-contained work of art. I can't remember the last time I was this musicially proud of someone I've called a friend. I know, I totally sound like I'm going over the top here, but like I said... I'm just floored by this thing. I expected stabs at greatness, and instead found brilliance. Grab the disc direct from Badman, and if you order a couple other things (like the stellar Swell discs), you'll get a copy of their Winter 2005 Sampler (with tracks from Hayden, Washington Social Club, S.A.S.C., n.lannon, Mark Mallman, The Black Heart Procession, Call and Response, James William Hindle, the innocence mission, Pleasant Grove, and Lanterna) thrown in for good measure. Since S.A.S.C. is based in L.A., you West Coasters will soon be treated to some live appearances (L.A. on Thursday, San Fran a week later), but word has it that Craig might be heading East for some shows in the late summer or fall. Here's hoping.  |
 neil halstead live in cambridge, ma on november 14th, 2008 previously: joy formidable - boston 2011 recent posts on the 'nac...
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