Somewhere Right Now
Reclaim, 2021
10/10
A collaboration between the Las Vegas multi-instrumentalist and singer Noah Dickie and the Los Angeles composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist James McAlister, as The Tell the pair create a unique yet familiar brand of rock where Dickie’s folk roots and McAlister’s sonically buzzing influence bring us on a very charming adventure.
“Clap Clap” starts the listen with punchy drumming and precise guitar work as subtle synth and smooth vocals reside somewhere between modern indie-rock and post-punk from decades ago, and “Burning” follows, where a calm buzzing and firm piano add much to the fuzzed out tension.
At the halfway point, “KT” flows with a very stylish and diverse approach that embraces some pop nods to the playfulness, while “Love Blood, California” gets a bit more abrasive amid a busy display of throbbing bass, eerie synth and dynamic guitar and drums that puts a very enticing spin on alt-rock.
The record ends with the darker appeal of “Thoughts And Everything”, which is textured precisely alongside traces of folk-rock that enter the dense delivery , and “Outgrown” exits the listen calm, soulful, even intimate, where a dreaminess surrounds the thoughtful finish.
McAlister and Dickie take help from Josh Dickie (drums), Tyler Chester (piano, mellotron, bass, guitar, synth) and Luke Vander Pol (bass), on select tracks, as they approach the greatness of bands like The National, The Hold Steady or Mansions on this truly fantastic album.
Travels well with: Editors- The Weight Of Your Love; Black Rebel Motorcycle Club- Specter At The Feast