Singer/songwriter Boris Skalsky (aka Dead Heart Bloom) weaves an imaginative tapestry of introspective pop on Strange Waves. Along with drummer John Hadfield and bassist Nathan Goheen, Skalsky’s vocals definitely recall early Bowie and the bands sleepy beats and echoing guitar bring early Pink Floyd or The Cure to mind. It certainly starts with a memorable song in the thematic “Someday Will Not Come Again.” The multi-layered guitar riffs in the Brydsian “Sentimental Cures” is sure to make Wilco fans sit up and take notice. The deep melodic ballad “Meet Me” is another moving folk pop composition.
A sense of dread hangs over “Don’t Worry For Me” and “Some Will Rise” but each track reaches deep into your musical subconscious. “Another Mistake” has a Paul Simon-like quality with acoustic guitar and bass leading a story of youthful recollections. The title track has an exotic feel, with maracas, sax, and Spanish guitar strums that sounds like a combination of The Alan Parsons Project and Love & Rockets. “Love Will Have Its Day” evokes the lonely spirit of Gordon Lightfoot. The strong compositions brimming with clear choruses and middle eights make this album a winner despite a somber tone for the most part. No filler either makes this a perfect rainy day album.
