Survive With Me
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
The North Carolina pianist Michael Flynn returns with his 3rd solo album, and much like everything he’s been apart of, it’s lyrically strong, intimately beautiful and full of varied song craft that explores the challenges of navigating through these tumultuous times.
Flynn starts the album with the graceful keys of “But it Lived”, where his soft vocals guide a very mature brand of indie-pop, and “Easy To Love” follows with playful percussion, bright brass and plenty of rhythm in a soulful setting.
In the middle, “No Promises” flows with a bare, soothing approach, while “Bear Strategies” moves with a darker spirit that really displays Flynn’s versatile pipes. “Perfect Crime” continues the calm mood with plenty of strategic horns, subdued drumming and, of course, Flynn’s expressive singing.
At the end, the soulful waltz of “Satan Take The Wheel” nearly enters jazz territory, and the bonus track, “Anything But”, exits with a gospel flavor that’s as striking as it is timeless.
An album that welcomes marimba, banjo and synth in addition to the heavier use of piano and horns. Flynn’s tenor and falsetto anchor this installment flawlessly, as the former member of Charleston’s Slow Runner again proves that his solo efforts are just as grand as his full band resume.
Travels well with: Incan Abraham- Tolerance; Sean Watkins- What To Fear