I Love You Now Leave Me Alone
Cavity Search, 2024
9/10
Listen to I Love You Now Leave Me Alone
The sophomore effort from the Portland, Oregon renaissance man Steve Drizos, the 8 tracks here revolve around various alt-rock ideas, and it welcomes players involved with Eels, The Decemberists and RoughCuts.
The soft and agile “Boomerang” starts the listen, and builds into a thumping and buzzing version of ‘90s alt-rock that’s plenty melodic, and “Troubled Heart” follows with bright acoustic guitar that uses Joe Mengis’ proficient drumming amid a warm jangle.
“Kick Into Touch” occupies the middle spot, and benefits much from Tim Murphy’s lively bass as a tuneful intimacy surrounds the heartfelt delivery, while “Shadow Life” emits a rich interaction between the players, where Jenny Conlee’s meticulous keys won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated alongside Drizos’ expressive singing and atmospheric guitar.
“Beautiful Nothing” and “Inside Outside” exit the listen, as the former recruits ambience that escalates into a thicker presence of hazy rock, and the latter is an acoustic focused strummer that embraces poetic singing and timeless singer-songwriter qualities.
Drizos’ resume includes being a touring musician and studio owner who has worked with countless well known artists. This effort focuses on his relationships with his loved ones, and with Todd Wright’s help on guitars and backing vocals, plus the aforementioned players, he pens a diverse and memorable listen in the area of indie and alt-rock.
Travels well with: The Lord Baltimores- The Lord Baltimores; John Amadon- Monarchs Of The Spukhaus