Rockland’s Workshop
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A debut album inspired by their Beat Generation heroes, the multi-instrumentalist Drew Noel brings in a large cast of players for this very atypical listen, where his bandmates Kumar Chopra (guitar) and Freyja Elsy (keyboards, samples, vocals) provide invaluable help, too.
“Blue Hour/Ystwyth” opens the listen and brings the sounds of water into warm acoustic guitar and background talking that cultivates an atmosphere that leads into the soft vocal harmonies and anti-folk ideas of “The Jerk”.
“University Jesus” occupies the middle spot and brings crashing drums and thick trombone to the firm spoken word, while “Old Breed, Pt. II” manipulates mood with darker moments amid the precise drums, well timed saxophone and mysterious speaking parts.
Close to the end, “Oxford” showcases field recordings amid the strategic bells, and “Fencing” exits the listen with beautifully strummed guitar and poetic singing from the many voices present.
A truly unclassifiable listen, shards of post-punk, hip-hop, beat poetry and folk-rock can all be found here, as Noel and company document 20-something life in their Britain home.
Travels well with: St. Arnaud- Love And The Front Lawn; Thirsty Eyes- A Certain Regard