Baby Stars/Dead Languages
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
Listen to Baby Stars/Dead Languages
This debut album from the singer-songwriter Brian Straw sees the artist moving past alcoholism to refine songs he penned many years ago, as well as offering pieces formed during his recovery.
“Sleep Sturdy” opens the listen with warm keys and Straw’s gritty yet inviting pipes in the emotive and expressive climate, and “I Have Not Wandered (Far From You)” continues the heartfelt approach with a very poetic and powerful delivery that embraces a soulful quality, too.
Closer to the middle, “Murmurations” displays a dreamy demeanor that flows with intricate acoustic guitar paired with Straw’s intimate vocals, while “Keys To My Room” offers a fuller track of timeless folk-rock ideas in a very introspective execution.
On the back half of the listen, “Out Of Doors” place more emphasis on drums, as Straw’s vision enters a nearly gospel feel amid the thumping, atmospheric landscape, and “Half-Buried Crow” exits the listen vulnerable, forthright and full of Straw’s vivid, wise storytelling.
An extremely delicate and often stirring peek into the mind of someone who’s dealt with the lowest points of life and found the will to better his existence, Straw’s heartland folk, thoughtful rock and subtle experimental moments make for a profoundly cathartic listen.
Travels well with: The Wandering Hearts- The Wandering Hearts; Andrea Von Kampen- Old Country