Many Disappeared
First City Artists, 2026
8/10
Matt Longo, i.e. Thin Lear, fleshes out 10 tracks of elegant melancholy, where some excellent players are in attendance for the thoughtful climate.
The warm strumming of “Silver Bridge” starts with much intimacy in its stirring beauty, and “Harmony & Gold” follows with Ken Coomer’s light drumming that aligns with the eloquent ambience.
“Mattoon” and “The Haunt” arrive in the middle. The former benefits from Rick Steff’s sophisticated keys amid the pretty singing from Longo, while the latter is textured with a poetic quality that makes great use of Dave Smith’s bass.
Arriving later, “The Visit” is an upbeat moment that’s steeped in rugged folk-rock, and “Healing Alone” exits with Will Sexton’s meticulous guitar complementing the expressive singing and soft atmosphere that’s heartfelt.
A very mature version of indie-folk, Thin Lear hints at chamber and orchestra ideas with an attentiveness that might bring to mind David Berman or Leonard Cohen, and those similarities alone should be enough to warrant repeat listens.
Travels well with: Nic Panken- Nearly Divine Or Nearly Rhyme; Karen Dahlstrom- Love These Days