Wasteland
Fluff & Gravy, 2019
10/10
Though Seattle’s Jason McCue might be a youngster, this rising troubadour has a very distinct set of pipes and a massive amount of songwriting skill that draw the listener in immediately on this stunning sophomore album that he recorded mostly in his bedroom.
“Ground” starts the listen with warm acoustic picking on an emotive and expressive display of restrained beauty, and “Even Though” follows with a louder presence, where a more forceful approach invades the lo-fi, indie-rock sensibilities.
Near the middle, “The Problem, Part 1” offers a quiet, almost lullaby approach, while “What A Shame” flows with an adventurous indie-folk spirit where melodies are never in short supply. One of the album’s best, “Shadows” resides here as well, and illustrates the skilled song craft amid sparse elegance.
Deeper cuts bring the campfire acoustic prowess of “Relativity”, the gospel influenced “Facts”, and the album closer, “Freedom (Outro)”, where a bare bedroom pop quality resonates with a quirky, timeless appeal.
McCue knows his way around loud, anthemic rock as well as intimate, subdued tunes, as he grapples with adulthood on this extremely adventurous and alluring album. Though he may be an obscure name now, it would not surprise me at all if McCue is a household name this time next year; this kid is ineffably talented.
Travels well with: Elliott Smith- XO; The Decemberists- The King Is Dead