The Coronation
MPress, 2021
8/10
A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Seth Glier returns with his 6th album of creative, interesting folk-pop that’s both personal and political.
Glier starts the listen with the soothing and smooth “Stages”, where the warm synth and charming vocals unfold with much attention to mood, and “A Gift” follows with a soulful, precisely layered display of pop, rock and even dance inspired song craft.
Further down the line, the stylish “If It Wasn’t For You” isn’t short on grooves and even some funk nods, while “Poison In The Roots” brings in Everett Bradley’s strong pipes as power and emotion meet with much playfulness. “One Of Us’, perhaps the best tune present, then benefits from Raye Zaragoza’s flawless pipes as the dreamy, atmospheric interpretation illuminates the Joan Osborne original.
Nearing the end, “Somebody Break My Heart” is about as intimate as the title implies, and makes good use of mesmerizing keys and punchy drumming, and the acoustic version of “If It Wasn’t For You” exits the listen with string acrobatics, well timed percussion and Glier’s very enthralling singing
An effort that utilizes electronica, horns and strings fluidly, each of the 13 tracks tells a story that is eloquent, forthright and insightful, and the diversity from track to track makes for a very impressive body of work.
Travels well with: Raye Zaragoza- Woman In Color; Rachael Sage- Character