I Am Toward You
Sarget House, 2024
8/10
The recording moniker of Tom Krell, as How To Dress Well the artist returns with his first new album in 6 years, where much beauty surrounds the experimental versions of pop.
“New Confusion” starts the listen with much dreaminess, where many pretty voices suit the colorful climate that’s therapeutic, and “Contingency/Necessity (Modality Of Fate)” follows with a mesmerizing backdrop while Krell’s expressive voice guides the hazy synth.
In the middle, “nothingprayer” layers the angelic voices amid soft instrumentation that’s equally heartfelt and cinematic, while “Song In The Middle” uses field recordings and a swirling ambience that’s busy and captivating.
Arriving near the end, “The Only True Joy On Earth” is a quick droning moment via vocal harmonics, and “A Secret Within The Voice” exits with strong attention to percussion and soulful aspects.
A highly unpredictable effort that’s distorted, manipulated and noisey in a very strategic fashion, contributions from CFCF, Trayer Tryon, Dan Krell, Joel Ford, Aaron Read, Brian Allen Simon, Noah Allaire, Ukiah Bogle, Chris Votek and Patrick McDermott are present for the atypical take on pop.
Travels well with: M Wagner- We Could Stay; McKenzie Stubbert- Waiting Room