Low Mirada
Blackbird, 2022
10/10
A very unique artist in the area of cosmic roots sounds, Ryan Traster brings his alluring vocals and 6 and 12 string Rickenbackers to these very unique songs that might remind you of his former Laurel Canyon home, just as it might modern, jangly indie-rock sounds.
“The Night’s Got You” opens the listen with both a jangly and fuzzy display of roots rock that benefits much from Naomi Dornfeld’s dreamy backing vocals, and “Morose Empire” follows with breezy melodies and a bouncy atmosphere thanks to Peter Anderson’s agile drumming.
Elsewhere, “The Seventh Daughter” uses strummed acoustic guitar and Chris Walla’s well timed keys in the busy, swirling album highlight, while “Fangs” makes great use of Nick Johnson’s bass prowess amid the cosmic friendly and hazy retro-rock.
Further still, “Blue Blood” lands closer to country-rock territory with its more firm, thick guitar presence, and “Home Again” exits with a shimmering beauty that burns slower and memorably.
Traster is also joined by Michael McGarthwaite (electric and slide guitars) and Andy Homass (guitar), and together it makes for a very diverse, groove filled and powerful peek into one of the most creative minds in roots rock today.
Travels well with: Christopher Lockett- At The Station; Aaron Skiles- Wreckage From The Fire