Misanthropology
Westergaard, 2022
9/10
The solo moniker of the Norwegian songwriter Tony Gonzalez, as Velcro Dog the artist brings a darkness to his folk songs that move at a slow pace and are all acoustic based.
“Belated Birthday Blues” opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar alongside the ominous storytelling that’s a contrast to the pretty song craft, and “Cone Of Shame” follows with a more musically upbeat affair that’s paired with expressive, poetic singing.
At the halfway point, “Shave A Pig, Call It A Ham” is particularly intimate, with a very raw introspection, while “Reader’s Block”, the best tune, is quite stirring in its dreamy delivery that’s lyrically heartbreaking.
“Fly Worry” and “A Nice Place For An Ambush” exit the listen, where the former is gentle, pretty even, with a hint of percussion, and the latter displays very cozy strumming amid Gonzalez’s vivid storytelling that’s forthright and vulnerable.
It’s not hard to think of legends like Elliott Smith or Jason Molina when listening to these 10 personal songs, where themes of loss, love and depression are fleshed out with an honest sparseness. Gonzalez has an impressive resume playing in band’s like Barren Womb, Oma Desala, Twin Serpent, and Dårli Te Beins, but this solo reord just might be his best work to date.
Travels well with: Jason Molina- Eight Gates; Damien Jurado- In The Shape Of A Storm