Ian Penn - Water From The Creek ALBUM REVIEW
[ Review Written by Protagonist ]
At some point in our lives, everyone should consider playing any type of music regardless of their situation or mood. In my case, there’s no exact mood that I need to internalize when I listen to folk. From Beirut, Bon Iver, Noah and the Whale, Steph Stewart & the Boyfriends, and (the cheesy) Iron & Wine, I would listen to them in any kind of weather. The evolution of folk from being an inclusive genre transmitting to every generation has been elapsed into something more relatable and communal.
‘Water from the Creek’ is the newest album from singer/songwriter Ian Penn which was self-released last July of this year. Admittedly, I’ve been into his music ever since Wild Abandon (released under Lilystars Records), with so much appreciation for his craft, I even purchased some of his music. What enticed me the most in this album is the significant songwriting and the smooth, decent harmonies that nails it down. You’ll notice on this album how Ian’s voice is truly smooth and mellow with a wide-open and free vibe which he demonstrated in the country-soul track ‘Only One’. As far as the eye can see, the rhythm section was decent, which is so important to music like this. It would probably sound great performed live in a camp – not just in Bandcamp.
‘Naked at Three’ calls back to deep folk variations but with its modern innovations, which you can hear in this track’s fresh melodies. Ian has a subtle approach that I appreciate, going after the material with understated guitar playing and vocals that alternate between tight and high-lonesome harmonies. His voice is resounding, but also utterly unique, and he brings a deep sensitivity to each song that serves to bring the lyrics, even especially with the song ‘Visiting Zeppelin’.
‘Ticketman’, is an appealing piece as well. That bass lingers throughout the track, and Ian’s voice remains calm in the same pocket as he starts with. It’s a dramatic track that sets the scene for a relaxing vibe.
From fiddles of the steel guitar, each song connects with the heart of alternative country music. But when sets it apart from some much of what comes out today is the real emotion in every track. Not that those emotions are always easy to deal with. ‘Two Weeks’ on the other hand, has swelling of guitars and strings that takes the song out with a solemn touch.
My question is: In this day and age, where each genre is progressively expanded upon in new and even perplexing ways, what can Ian Penn do to be flexible in bringing up folk?
Lastly, the production has a light, contemporary alt-country touch, the rhythms are built from classic shuffling drums, and tasteful harmonica parts were applied when needed. This 10-track album is love-lorn, heart on your sleeve, sweat-soaked, and alcohol-fueled art piece.
FAVORITE TRCKS: Naked at Three, Water from the Creek, Ticketman