Brave The Storm
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
The recording moniker of Eugene, Oregon producer and songwriter Tyler Fortier, whose work has been featured on CBS, Netflix and Showtime, with this stunning first album as Last Year’s Man he’s likely to gain even more exposure thanks to his heartfelt and timeless storytelling.
The title track starts the listen with intricate acoustic guitar, as soft vocals enter the dreamy, folk influenced opener where gorgeous vocals from Anna Tivel complement the pretty landscape, and “No Eye On The Sparrow” follows with strategic percussion as a fuller delivery of soothing Americana is present and appreciated.
Halfway through, “Guide You Back To Me” offers much atmosphere in its emotive and stirring indie-folk presence, while “Wild, Wild Heart” is an eloquent display of cautious folk songwriting where Field Report contributes on a Texas friendly track.
Although there isn’t a bad tune here, “The Dark End Of The Road” is especially noteworthy and flows with breezy melodies in a more firm execution of guitar fueled indie-rock, and “The Valley Of Jehoshaphat” exits the listen vocally strong as male and female singing populates the precisely layered finish.
A huge talent who can parallel the greatness achieved by Iron & Wine, Last Year’s Man make superb use of horns, organ and electric guitar on this meticulously crafted debut that only gets better with repeated listens.
Travels well with: Anna Tivel- The Question; Damien Jurado- In The Shape Of A Storm