If I Was, I Am
Next Door, 2023
8/10
The Montreal songwriter Bells Larsen pens a quick EP here that surrounds the idea of identity, and uses his own experience as a trans, queer person who is sorting through young adulthood.
“Ten Hands” opens the listen with Larsen’s warm acoustic guitar and inviting voice that’s as intimate as it is eloquent, and Daniel Crowther’s moody pedal steel sure does make an impression, too, and “Suitcases By The Door” follows with much attention to mood via the mesmerizing guitar, hazy synth and hushed pipes.
“When I Was Your Favourite Person” arrives in the middle and showcases Larsen’s playful banjo playing, while “Just Knowing You” is a more upbeat display of modern folk songwriting that’s both memorable and timeless. “Place To Be”, a Nick Drake cover, exits the listen, and carries a distinct dreaminess that meshes pedal steel, Matteo Gueli’s synth, banjo and poetic singing into a lush finish.
A very thoughtful and mature 5 songs, Larsen’s new baritone draws us in immediately, and the bedroom recording feeling certainly suits the personal, indie-folk formula that Larsen is well versed in.
Travels well with: J.J. Sunde- Alice, Gloria & Jon; Matthew Logan Vasquez- As All Get Out