Fall
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A Minneapolis vocalist who has been featured on shows like The Voice and American Idol, Preston Gunderson brings us a break up album, where the ending of 6+ year relationship provides fodder for honest, emotive and forthright song craft.
“Broken Arrow” starts the listen with Greg Schutte’s agile drumming and Luke Enyeart’s warm guitar complementing Gunderson’s cozy singing, and “Sorry” follows with more presence on atmosphere, where Gunderson handles keys and is joined by Genevieve Kalland on backing vocals for the stylish and graceful version of pop.
“Echoes” lands in the middle and is full of Gunderson’s melodic singing and dreamy acoustic guitar, as well as Kevin Gastonguay’s well timed keys amid the hint of Americana, while “I Want To Know You” is an intimate and poetic display of heartwarming song craft.
Arriving near the end, “Fragile” benefits much from Ian Martin Allison’s skilled bass and harmony vocals thanks to Elyse Jones, and “For What It’s Worth” exits with John Schwarzkopf’s harmony vocals and Chris Furst’s proficient electric guitar complementing Gunderson’s vulnerable pipes.
A listen packed with personal, relatable themes and passionate, stirring singing, Gunderson’s introspective formula of pop, folk, roots and rock makes for a mature and timeless 10 tracks.
Travels well with: Chris Castino- Brazil; Amanda B. Perry- My Time