Duncan Sheik

Claptrap

AntiFragile, 2022

8/10

Listen to Claptrap

The award winning artist Duncan Sheik returns with his first album in 7 years, and it’s a therapeutic pop affair that bridges critical wordplay with no lack of melodies in his timeless formula.

“Experience” starts the listen with crisp drums and Sheik’s warm vocals in a very modern, pop friendly climate, and “Isn’t It So” follows with graceful strings, as a bit of an orchestral quality enters the very expressive singing and folk tinted landscape.

Further on, “Smoke And Mirrors” emits a stylish energy that’s made for the dance floor with its shimmering guitar, while “You’ll Never Be Alone” is quite poetic, with much emphasis on atmosphere amid a bit of mystery.

On the back half, “Out From Underneath” is a richly textured and eloquent album highlight that illuminates Sheik’s soaring pipes, and “Scorpios” exits with a bare, soft delivery of gentle acoustic guitar and stirring singing.

Though he will probably never see the mainstream success he had in 1996 with the hit “Barely Breathing”, Sheik is still making very sincere, honest and timeless music that’s quite capable of leaving a lasting impression.

Travels well with: Ann Wilson- Fierce Bliss; Paula Cole- American Quilt