A Life Like Ours
Buddhaland, 2019
9/10
If you’ve spent any considerable time watching TV, you’ve probably already heard Shane Alexander’s music on one of the many shows he’s help soundtrack. On this 7th studio release, Alexander offers bare pieces as well as full, lush rockers, and it all comes from a very spiritual place, as the troubadour finds plenty of intimacy across A Life Like Ours.
“Everything As One” gets the album off to a soft and sparse start, as Alexander’s expressive vocals guide us through a gentle folk tune, and the suicide themed “Lost Road” follows with a fuller delivery where calm percussion and keys flow alongside his graceful delivery.
An album where every track is a highlight, “Taxi Cab” moves with a cautious pop spirit amid the Americana influences, while “I’ll Be Here”, a tune about anti-gun violence, displays his strong guitar playing amid hushed beauty with an orchestral slant.
Deeper in the listen, “Riverbed” shuffles with a rural beat in a playful yet subdued gem, and “Evermore” ends the listen crisp and bright with Alexander’s charming formula radiating emotion, positivity and strong song craft.
Alexander is in fine company here as players who worked alongside Lady Gaga, Shooter Jennings, and Grateful Shred are in attendance, and they help illuminate his gripping storytelling perfectly.
Travels well with: Jeff Buckley- Grace; Bruce Springsteen- Nebraska