Exploitation Suite
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Brooklyn based guitarist and composer Roger Lin returns with a sophomore album, where he explores the dynamics of hard work and talent that’s specific to New York life.
The warm guitar of “Exploitation Suite Part I: They’d Like to Support” gets the listen off to a cozy start, where Willis Edmundson’s calm drumming and Simón Wilson’s light bass create a distinct mood, and “Shore On the Other Side” follows with 2 segments that radiate a unique dreaminess via Quinton Cain’s elegant drums and Lin’s radiant guitar.
In the middle, “Exploitation Suite Part II: At Mount Stupid, At the Bottom of a Well” is a minimal moment of meticulous guitar patterns that builds into a rich landscape thanks to Moshe Elmakias’ fluid piano, while “Sneaky Bastards” benefits much from Chaz Martineau’s soulful sax playing that recruits plenty of timeless jazz qualities.
Occupying a spot close to the end, the stirring intimacy of “Aliens in Capitalized Societies” glows with a soft display of heartfelt song craft, and “Strengths and Insecurities” exits with Isaac Levien’s charming bass lines amid the gentle sax and hazy guitar prowess.
An inviting body of work that uses folk melodies and harmonic gestures to yield introspective and emotional sounds, Lin’s fascinating guitar work alone is worth the price of admission.
Travels well with: Tobie Medland- The Aviary; Paulo Almeida- Oferenda