Working Man’s Dread
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
Paul Givant and Stephen Andrews, The Contraptionists, play a very distinct and innovative brand of folk music, where they create thick walls of sound with just two people, as rural components collide with more firm areas of rock that tip their hat to the ‘90s.
“River Lethe” starts the listen with smooth, warm singing alongside a very unique brand of folk-rock that sounds like it could soundtrack a day in the mountains or on a spacecraft with its industrial spirit, and “Working Man’s Dread” follows with a busy display of guitar acrobatics, frisky drumming and, somehow, an alt-rock presence.
Near the middle, flowing harmonica adds much to the soulful and bluesy murder ballad “Murky Floor”, while “Empire Of Smoke” moves swiftly amid a curious brand of Americana that’s got plenty of rhythm and melody. “Ember Days”, one of the album’s best, then lands closer to rock territory as a punchy delivery comes with playful backing vocals.
The quality of the song craft continues to the end, including “Sight Of Blood”, which glides with a stylish, lush climate that unfolds with strategic banjo, and “Dream Song” exits the listen with nods to the past as breezy folk ideas surround the summery melodies and an indeed dreamy atmosphere.
Although this is their debt, Givant and Andrews have a long history in music that includes playing in the Americana outfit Rose’s Pawn Shop. This platform, however, extends from their roots into a variation of a one man band that pushes the boundaries of creativity in ways you’ll be in awe of.
Travels well with: Desert Hollow- Thirsty; Soo Line Loons- Soo Line Loons