Radio Ocean
sonaBLAST!, 2021
8/10
The recording moniker of Gabriel Judet-Weinshal, as Unpinnable Butterflies the songwriter and film composer is surrounded by several esteemed musicians on this curious album, where countless genres are explored in his very distinct vision.
“You” opens the listen and makes an immediate impression with its warm bass line and precise drumming from Shawn Pelton, as playful horns accent the cultured, upbeat lead off track, and “Everybody” follows with guitar and piano guiding the retro-pop climate that might just remind you of the ‘60s.
Deeper into the listen, “Burden Down” brings a frisky love song that benefits from Grace Kelly’s eloquent pipes as spirited guitar work flows meticulously, while “Sell Me The Morning” recruits Jessica Childress into darker subject matter that emits a soulful quality. “Good Kings”, one of the album’s best, then cultivates plenty of grooves thanks to Scott Healy’s Hammond organ, Danny Clinch’s harmonica and Kevin Dukes’ guitar work.
The title track surfaces near the end, and soars with a fusion approach where a sax solo, bouncy bass work and odd meters make for a fascinating listen, and “Roses” finishes the listen in balladry, where a sublime and mysterious backdrop make for an ideal exit to a very well thought out 13 tracks.
A record that offers something for everyone, Radio Ocean delivers a substantial body of work that surrounds the collapse of the modern world, and the massive amount of diversity makes it difficult to categorize, but easy to enjoy.
Travels well with: Birds Of Chicago- Love In Wartime; Afton Wolfe- Kings For Sale