Outsider
¡Ya Basta!, 2021
9/10
A collaboration featuring the musician, producer and composer Philippe Cohen Solal, who’s a member of Gotan Project, and Mike Lindsay, of the acid folk band Tunng, the duo bring in vocalist Adam Glover and musician Hannah Peel for Outsider, which is inspired by the life and work of the American artist Henry Darger.
“Who Will Follow Angelinia?” starts the listen with a dreamy approach of warm instrumentation, soothing vocals and a sublime orchestral quality to the chamber sounds, and “Hark Hark, My Friend, Cannon Thunders Are Sweling” follows with spoken word as an ethereal atmosphere is built around strings, drums and angelic backing vocals.
In the middle, “Can A Boy Forget His Mother” finds a calmer place to reside, where soulful horns and an elegant haze surround the cautious landscape, while “851 Webster Avenue” is 2+ minutes of ambient instrumental prowess that’s cinematic and absorbing in its uniqueness. “We Sigh For The Child Slaves”, one of the record’s best, then touches on folk ideas as soaring vocals and muffled horns radiate an iconoclastic version of Americana.
Near the end, “We’ll Never Say Goodby” retains a gospel spirit initially, as the pretty pipes add much to the triumphant execution, and “Scattering The Fierce Foeman” exits the listen with a charming energy that’s got some pop spirit embedded in the throwback appeal.
An aptly titled record, Darger’s reclusive life of clandestine art was as unconventional as this listen, where nods to the ‘50s and ‘60s unfold with an artistic and lush version of vintage pop from some of the most creative minds in music today.
Travels well with: Tunng- Turbines; Wudewuse- Northern Gothic