Folk-led, genre-blending musician Mike Pope has, arguably, been one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets for years. He has certainly shared his talents by making the rounds at venues around San Diego, but it took some time before local record label Blind Owl could get him into a studio. There, he had so much material to work with that this week he released not only his debut album Songs For People (High & Low), but a bonus sophomore album titled Ripening (Ain’t It Strange).
Songs For People (High & Low) is a more self-reflective album, dancing beautifully through the speakers with its haunting melodies, striking lyrics, and captivating musicianship. From the very first lines of literal self-reflective first track “Mirror,” through the slightly quicker pace of “Steeped Cracked Rocks” and into the meandering “Teach To Sow,” the listener is transported to a slower, quieter neck of the woods. The album itself continues at a beautiful, calm clip, the compositions as though the music is physically leading us into autumn nights with friends and family.
If you are looking for a particularly complex bit of picking, “St. Augustine” will breathe life into that craving. And while the 11-track album provides a particularly pleasant audible journey, taking the time to listen to “Maryanne,” “Maryanne (Again),” and “Maryanne (Again and Again)” will light a special fire in your heart.
Dropping into the second album Ripening (Ain’t It Strange), you can tell that what’s to come will be equally pleasing. The heavier instrumentals and incorporation of more rock-focused compositions make for a completely different soundscape. While we were absolutely delighted by the percussion in the vocal-less second track “Homunculus,” the fuzzier sound to “My Spirit Orbits” makes it the perfect track to bop to on vinyl with the windows open, autumn breeze flowing through.
Ripening feels, at its core, a little edgier, but still carries a similar warmth to its sister album, stirring energy and acute want for community leading into the colder months. Colder months if you, for instance, live anywhere BUT perpetually 70-something degree San Diego.
Take some time to play in the soundscape of both albums. Now that Mike Pope has found his way out of the San Diego-specific woodwork, we’d love to maintain a mainline to his work worldwide. If ever there were an opportunity to support and encourage an artist to head back into the studio sometime soon, this is it.
Southern California-based duo Inspired & The Sleep – comprised of songwriter/producer Max Greenhalgh and multi-instrumentalist Bryce Outcaul – is a fan favorite, and they’ve finally got new music for our (patiently) awaiting ears. “Right Place, Right Time” provides a funky, experimental soundscape that feels perfect for the last few weeks of those lazy, warm summer days. Occurring at a relaxed pace, this track is perfect to jam out to at that last summer BBQ or while hanging out with your significant other on a car or boat ride. The lyrics, however, call to mind a more intricate thought process than the instrumental vibe would suggest. Explains the duo of the track:
“Right Place, Right Time” is our anthem for forgiveness and heartbreak. It recollects a period in my life where I was deeply in love with an individual that, simply put, didn’t feel the same way about me. I spent so much time, energy, and thoughts into resenting this girl and whoever she wound up with. This song is about the introspective dialog of predicting/hoping for the perfect time and place to communicate my apologies and best wishes. Letting go is ultimately the only answer in order to move on.
San Diego/L.A. based two-piece Inspired & the Sleep has just dropped a brand new track called “First Time”. Inspired & the Sleep is made up of Max Greenhalgh (producer/singer-songwriter) and musician Bryce Outcault, accompanied by additional artists at times. Having just released a new song, Inspired & the Sleep looks to propel themselves into their musical future with a refined sound.
The band says of their new track:
“First Time” is a song I wrote at the start of a relationship. The song is about the very first time a couple catches themselves opening up to each other. I feel like when you’re alone for an extended period you tend to naturally become guarded just as a way of protecting yourself, but it takes even more strength to get to a point where you can let yourself love again. There are certain events that I recall in my life that have led me to where I am in life. “First Time” recollects an event where my ex got a DUI while I was in the car with her. Even though it was tragic event, it did end up bringing us closer together at the time.
The new track moves the listener across a floating soundscape anchored in a solid beat and highlighted by Greenhalgh’s vocals. Both vulnerable and strong, the track clearly displays the band’s ability to show a gentle side that is also confident. “First Time” is not a track to miss, so check it out today.
