Wooden Cave
Egg Hunt, 2020
8/10
The recording moniker of Matt Longo, as Thin Lear the artist explores indie-folk in unconventional ways, especially on the strings and piano fueled Wooden Cave, where he tells the story of a loner dealing with isolation on this very carefully crafted debut.
“Netta” starts the listen with soft, expressive singing and minimal instrumentation in the bare but impactful opening, and the title track follows with gentle piano highlighting the chamber-pop setting.
Near the middle, “Death In A Field” recruits a darker spirit as guitars and percussion help paint a stylish and lush portrait of cautious indie-pop, while “I Thought I Was Alone” offers a piano driven, orchestral pop adventure that builds into one of the fuller tracks. “Maniacs”, the album highlight, then shifts into retro power-pop territory that’s so infectious it alone is worth the price of admission.
At the end, “‘93 Heap” approaches baroque-pop and country spirited in its varied delivery, and “Your Family” exits the listen hushed, with plenty of bare beauty as guitars and strings help cultivate a fascinating intimacy.
Although this album was penned far before the pandemic, it really seems to be suited for quarantine with its reflective, pensive and forthright approach where psychedelia, grooves and plenty of ‘70s nods help put Thin Lear into very atypical and exciting avenues.
Travels well with: Benjamin Schoos- Doubt In My Heart; Alias Wayne- Faux Pas