Sounds From The Shadow Factory
Blind Owl, 2021
8/10
Listen to Sounds From The Shadow Factory
A poet, essayist, and journalist, Noah C Lekas published his first book, Saturday Night Sage, in 2019, and here he blends his poetry to a diverse landscape of rock’n’roll sounds, effectively placing his punk rock past into a beat poet environment.
The title track starts the listen with Howlin Rain’s blues formula soundtracking the vivid storytelling, where swirling guitars and precise percussion suit the smooth talking, and “The Word” follows with Chad Lee’s sparing but effective drumming alongside a Kerouac like delivery from Lekas.
In the middle, “Out Of The Storm Drains” recruits Mrs. Henry for a finger snappin’, rhythmic display of jazz influenced song craft that’s still got plenty of rock’n’roll spirit, while “We’ve Got A Problem With Groundwater” takes help from Ben Ambrosini on an atmospheric and dreamy climate where Lekas’ prose is mesmerizing.
“Empty Your Pockets”, with Dude Cervantes, exits the listen with a brief execution of psychedelic, screeching sounds that are certainly more abrasive and just as interesting as the rest of the EP.
Comparisons to Bob Dylan, Charles Bukowski, Patti Smith and Nick Cave are unavoidable, but certainly warranted, as Lekas and company bring us on an inviting and unique journey through a very creative and eloquent mind. Depending on what format you pick this up on, a copy of the book is also included.
Travels well with: Jaki Shelton Green- The River Speaks Of Thirst; Sunny War- Shell Of A Girl