Stupid Soul
Strolling Bones, 2025
10/10
The Georgia singer-songwriter Elijah Johnston may pen songs about trying to figuring stuff out, but he’s clearly figured out how to write a song you won’t soon forget, and he’s surrounded by Gideon Johnston, Drew Beskin, Tommy Trautwein, Aidan Hill and Jordan Reynolds for his 4th or maybe 7th record.
Gideon Johnston’s thumping drums start the listen with “Leonard”, where Elijah’s smooth pipes guide the folk-rock nods, and “Ideas” follows with much attention to atmosphere, where a punchy rock spirit enters the busy, swirling landscape.
Closer to the middle, the breezy “Oxygen” makes great use of Beskin’s well timed keys amid the cozy guitars and heartfelt vocals, while “Days Like These” is a scrappier moment of rugged yet tuneful sensibilities that builds into a soaring album highlight.
Further yet, “Valentine’s Day” opens dreamy, but it isn’t long until dense guitars and a buzzing rhythm section creates a sonic haze, and “Football Season” exits with a dynamic, indie-rock template that’s harmonic and even a bit jangly, but not without some serious guitar acrobatics, too.
Elijah’s songwriting sure is memorable, and it won’t take most people more than one listen to become a fan of his retro nods, sincere wordplay and thick versus gentle formula.
Travels well with: Haunted Shed- Faltering Light; Molecular Steve- Molecular Steve