A Life I Knew
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
The collaborative efforts between the lyricist Joe Puleo and singer-songwriter Eli Wenger, as Bannister Effect the pair flesh out a diverse brand of folk songs that are quite unpredictable and explore themes of love, death, divorce and reemergence.
“What We Need” starts with a sound bite from an interview with Roger Bannister before cautious and expressive singing aligns with careful guitar and light percussion, and “Again” follows with a fuller approach of buzzing rock that’s got some punk tendencies and ends up thumping pretty loudly.
In the middle, “Rainbows” uses soft piano strategically in the poetic ballad, while “Happy For You” strums playfully in a folk-rock sort of way that’s not short on melody or very mature lyricism about a break up. “In Between”, another excellent track, then embrace indie-rock ideas on the folky side of the equation amid some frisky rhythm.
“A Life I Knew” arrives near the end and offers a bare and dreamy tune that showcases the eloquent wordplay, and “How And When” exits the listen with soothing backing vocals in a more dramatic landscape that builds into a cathartic, energetic group effort that you could dance to or sing loud to.
Wenger has a lengthy history in music that includes fronting the Philadelphia outfit Los Halos, and Puleo is an athlete with a competitive history. Together, their creative ways make for a very forthright and timeless listening experience that’s quite sophisticated yet adventurous.
Travels well with: Richard X Heyman- Copious Notes; Tim Foljahn- I Dreamed A Dream