Hello World
Crooked Cyclone, 2023
8/10
Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt are both exceptional multi-instrumentalists who are well versed in folk sounds, and they’re in some fine company for these 10 tracks that surround living in a changed world and focusing on the ideas of kindness, empathy and the beauty of simplicity.
“Hello World” starts the listen with infectious folk-pop that uses fiddle and vintage computer noises with warmth and adventurousness, which has Ronstadt handling mandolin, snare drum and steel-string guitar alongside Gregory Hugh Brady’s computer beeps, and “Dr. Joelson’s Bag” follows with Nathans taking vocals on the fingerpicked and djembe friendly climate, the latter which is provided by Adam Pasqueal.
At the halfway point, “Sorry, Alan” lands in ballad territory, and showcases Ronstadt’s elegant cello, and Nathans’ poetic steel guitar and vivid storytelling, while “Flatbush Sunset” discusses baseball amid Nathans’ mature piano, the moody strings and stirring harmony vocals.
Close to the end, “One Dollar Gloves”, the album’s best, is an upbeat tribute to economical handwear, and embraces Brady’s electric guitar for the energetic fun, and “Twelve Tone Girl” exits with a charming waltz that places Pasqueal on drums as Nathans and Ronstadt trade off on vocals that pays homage to music we can all relate to.
A great example of timeless folk music that injects computer sounds, too, Nathans and Ronstadt are entertaining, clever and musically diverse and will be sure to strike a chord with anyone who enjoys folk from any era.
Travels well with: Tim Grimm- The Little In-Between; Jason Lang- Handled With Care