In A Warmer Way
Mifflin, 2024
9/10
The Minneapolis outfit December Friend return with a sophomore album, where plenty of varied indie-rock ideas enter the songs that use observations for their thoughtful formula.
The rhythmic and dynamic “Just Beginning” starts the listen with a fluid groove amid the smooth singing, and “Pulling From The Shade” follows with warm acoustic guitar and cozy vocals via the folk influenced delivery.
At the halfway point, “Even When The Night Turns Blue” uses vocal harmonies and a Dylan-esque influence of playful songwriting, while “Face In A Frame” is more drum focused and benefits much from Jeff Victor’s animated keyboards for the cosmic moments.
Landing close to the end, the rich and intimate “Everyone’s Your Child” builds into a melodic and breezy album highlight, and “No Fadeouts” exits with eloquent acoustic guitar and mature keys matching the poetic singing.
This is the 2nd album from December Friend, who are spearheaded by Joel Leviton and John Wlaysewski, and it continues their universal themes and blend of folk, Americana, modern rock and psychedelia that few others could parallel.
Travels well with: Jared McCloud- Vacancy; Chris Murphy- The Red Road