ALBUM REVIEW: rusticator release the genre-bashing “let it run”
Photo by Meghan Califano
“...what stood out the most was the songwriting and the way the different elements were being used together to create something new.”
Let It Run, the latest five-song EP from Rusticator, begins its first few seconds with a repeating rhythmic pluck of a tight string, possibly a mandolin, that is soon accompanied by an incoming gentle wail of violin that crescendos to a soothing, ultra-catchy, yet minimalist Americana groove.
Just when the comfort of that groove starts to settle in, a chorus of instruments joins and the journey through these songs has begun. Within the first minute, there were hints of several genres evident in the music; folk, country, blues, bluegrass, etc. were all there. Even elements of rock were apparent on first listen.
While it was evident where some of the influences were being pulled from, what stood out the most was the songwriting and the way the different elements were being used together to create something new. That is not an easy task, and even the most prolific songwriters may sometimes find themselves being stuck pulling tricks from the same old quiver.
One thing that may help keep Rusticator’s songwriting fresh after all these years is the songwriting partnership of Tony Califano and Jordan White within the band. While the title track,“Let it Run,” is a ‘Jordan’ song, other songs, like “Wedding Season,” are ‘Tony’ songs. Having songs with different points of views from different narrators is a great way to keep lasting mystique in songs, as the point of view can change the entire meaning of a song.
“When You’re Not Around” is an upbeat, rock/funk infused number that keeps the toes tapping while dealing with themes of apparent loss and regret. This is evidenced by lines such as, “Yesterday I woke up in a cold sweat / I thought I heard you speak / Tangled in the blankets like a fish in a net / Broken, blinking and weak.” With the laser-precise walking bassline and bluesy electric guitar solo, “When You’re Not Around” kicks the EP into a higher gear, before settling into the more somber “Wedding Season.”
“Wedding Season” is a song of reflection from the point of view of one who is “staring out the hotel window all alone, in the sorry little city with the golden dome.” While the city itself, as well as what the protagonist is pondering may remain a mystery, the melancholic intro and melody lead you to believe that the narrator is troubled.
While Let It Run does lean heavily on sounds of Americana and folk, it definitely has rock influences and even some pop sensibility. The track “Round Again” for example has hints of ‘90s alternative and even early-aughts indie-rock. Think Cracker mixed with Modest Mouse and a dash of Wilco. “Round Again,” whether intentional or not, is reminiscent of the aforementioned influences while clearly remaining a Rusticator song.
By the time you get to the riff-heavy rocker “Lose Me Too,” which closes this EP out, you will probably head right back to the start and listen to it all over again. Dynamically, this EP is amazing. It starts very quiet and builds throughout, but never overpowers. Rusticator is very comfortable in the pocket, and that is where most of this EP lives. Tight grooves, thoughtful lyrics and careful attention to every note are found throughout, making this a record to stand the test of time.
Once you start listening to it, you’ll find yourself with no choice but to let it run.
Let it Run is out now on all major streaming platforms.
