Toil And Trouble
AKR, 2023
9/10
This 4th album from the singer-songwriter Angelo De Augustine brings plenty of cosmic influence into his whispering versus howling vocals, and his deft finger picking and strong attention to melody certainly won’t go unnoticed, either.
“Home Town” opens the listen with a distinct dreaminess, where the faint vocals are met with warm keys and plenty of attention to mood, and “The Ballad Of Betty And Barney Hill” follows with cozy bass and light drums that unfold with an emotional resonance that might remind you of Elliott Smith.
Further along, the mesmerizing acoustic guitar of the very pretty “The Painter” flows with folk sensibilities, while “Another Universe” is quite stirring, psychedelic even, and welcomes some pop ideas into the careful song craft.
Closer to the end, “Naked Blade” uses De Augustine’s meticulous finger picking and impressive vocal range for the pensive, heartfelt delivery, and the title track exits with a sublimely breathy appeal that makes it seem like he’s singing just for you.
A listen that tries to sort through all the madness in the world, De Augustine is nothing if not eloquent, and his vulnerable and absorbing song craft sounds right at home in a living room venue.
Travels well with: Damian Jurado- In The Shape Of A Storm; Fruit Bats- Gold Past Life