Dark And Deep
Twangri-La, 2020
9/10
The Maine guitarist and songwriter, Mike Stapleton is back with another batch of his varied song craft, where he spans sounds from the ‘70s on, and brings folk, country and even grunge ideas to the genuine, forthright effort.
“Cool Flow” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with its inviting guitar tone, as strategic percussion aligns with Stapleton’s breezy melodic singing, and this continues to the sturdy ‘70s rock of the soulful “Worst Of Me”, as well as the rhythmic roots rock of “Everybody Knows”.
Stapleton includes 15 tracks here, and there’s much diversity involved, including the intimate and bare “Mint Green”, while “Other Trees” recruits a vintage country approach that’s light and quite memorable. “Long Way Back To Here”, one of the album’s best tunes, then moves with a more firm pulse as timeless folk rock qualities enter the relatable storytelling.
Closer to the end, “Where Are You Now” flirts with alt-rock sensibilities amid the dense guitar, and “Rich Man Poor Man” exits the listen with classic rock nods as Stapleton displays meticulous guitar work.
An artist who has battled depression and anxiety his entire life, Stapleton has turned that struggle into exceptional art, as this appropriately titled record certainly does dig Dark And Deep both lyrically and musically into the trappings of being human. Thankfully, Stapleton’s keen sense of songwriting keeps us engaged for the entire experience, and likely to return for more, too.
Travels well with: Matt Eckstine- Lil’ Blue; Last Year’s Man- Brave The Storm