The Feelings Cure
Young Love, 2023
9/10
A Brooklyn indie-rock outfit spearheaded by the guitarist, bassist and singer Gary Levitt, this 6th record from Setting Sun brings plenty of varied song craft into a ‘90s moody-rock formula that is full of unpredictable ideas.
“Cool” opens the listen with Hampus Öhman-Frölund’s fluid drumming alongside Levitt’s warm voice and skilled acoustic guitar in the cozy folk spirit, and “Sometimes” follows with a charming lo-fi feeling that might remind you of Lou Barlow’s soft song craft, where Abby Hollander Levitt’s pretty backing vocals add much to the beauty.
At the halfway point, “Counting The Cows” showcases Erica Quitzow’s stirring violin and Brian Hollande’s well timed dobro for the cautious, elegant album highlight, while “Good Die Young” welcomes Brian Geltner’s skilled drumming for the crisp delivery.
Residing close to the end, the breezy “A Symphony” places Hollander Levitt on violin for the reflective tone, and “Once Had A While” exits with a dense presence of retro alt-rock, where thick guitar and thumping drums suit the tense finish.
A superbly eclectic listen that doesn’t shy away from bedroom-symphonic pieces, baroque waltzes, sturdy rockers, Levitt and company make atypical folk songs you’re going to want to hear repeatedly.
Travels well with: Ken Yates- Cerulean; The Get Right Band- iTopia