Folksinger
UHQ, 2025
8/10
The Twin Cities multi-instrumentalist Erik Brandt might best be known for his work fronting The Urban Hillbilly Quartet, but his solo work is just as great and illustrates plenty of diversity that you can’t not admire.
The title track starts with Brandt’s flowing voice and warm guitar alongside harmony vocals and Peter Karman’s soft banjo, and “STP” follows with Dave Strahan’s light drumming amid the bright storytelling that’s very specific to Minnesota.
At the halfway point, “Narcissus” has Brandt handling piano alongside soothing clarinet from Paul Fonfara in a gentle climate, while “Play Side B” is a busy and festive moment of animated winds, scrappy drumming and frisky rhythm that will get you dancing pretty quick.
“Until The End” and “Weary Traveler” exit the listen. The former enlists AJ Scheiber’s precise bass to complement the melodies, and the latter is in intimate ballad that tugs on the heartstrings and welcomes the Hungarian singer Ági Mohácsy.
Brandt touches on country, rock, ska, jazz and folk, and his excellent cast help make for an authentic and unpredictable experience where you might be reminded of R.E.M., The Beach Boys or even The Mavericks.
Travels well with: Stone Arch Rivals- That’s What They Say; Samuel Wilbur- Ivory Tower