Functioning Dysfunctionals
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
Listen to Functioning Dysfunctionals
The multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Ryan Wayne returns with a sophomore album, where plenty of friends are in attendance for the 7 personal songs.
The rich and melodic title track leads with John Bridgens’ harmony vocals and Brain Kobayakawa’s warm bass that suit Wayne’s distinct singing in the psychedelic climate, and “Lion In The Wall” follows with Dennis Holt’s strategic drums and Jean Paul Desaulniers’ stirring violin that complements the dark, textured delivery.
Further along, “No Easy Way Out” comes with a hazy spirit that welcomes Teppei Kamei’s well timed trumpet and no lack of melody, while “Grand Illusions” is pretty, eloquent and enlists Malcolm Burn’s dreamy synth amid Wayne’s dreamy vision.
The last track, “Love’s Lost Languages”, is just as great as the rest of the album, where Kevin Hewitt’s meticulous keys align with a spacey presence and plenty of colorful harmony.
Wayne returned to music after suffering 2 strokes, and his vision embraces blurry, sometimes melancholic artistry that uses swirling introspection and finds its own psyche-folk niche to reside in.
Travels well with: Stephen Fearing- The Empathist; Julian Taylor- Pathways