The Gentle Guest
Cast Off Your Human Form
Amble Down Records
www.myspace.com/thegentleguest
One of the more interesting elements weaving through the music of The Gentle Guest is there is a whiff of Delta and dose of Americana – but somehow some old fashion punk-rock sensibilities slipped into the Petri dish.
Musically they come across with rolling guitars, plucky mandolins, and the requisite creaky harmonies – but lyrically they bring a touch of mischief to the table.
“Cast Off Your Human Form” contains a dozen deceptively deft ditties charting the highs and lows in the life of a blue-collar Midwesterner. With the hardworking ethic that matches the people who inhabit their songs, “Cast Off Your Human Form” contains a dozen songs. Each one a nugget pulled from the pages of an old National Geographic magazine – sepia and soul.
Singer/guitarist Eric Rykal seems born to be playing and singing this style of music. His voice is perfectly plaintive – but not affected. He pulls the listener in with a near conversational tone as his voice dances across the notes – rather than pounding on them like so many young singers these days.
When they need to rock – the gentle Guest can roll. When they need to dial it back and pass the jug around, they are equally skilled.
“Cast Off Your Human Form” is a must for people who like fearless music that takes chances – and typically succeeds.
Stand Out Tracks
Laughing Bells
Who is Gonna Love You
Modern Gods
