"Matador, masterpiece, morning prayer memories,"
Geoff Farina (Karate,
Secret Stars) sings at the start of this oblique song collection. Recorded in Andy Hong's living room in Boston and mastered at Abbey Road in London, the sparse, intimate music features
Farina on vocals and electric guitar with occasional accompaniment by guitarist Josh Larue (the Sorts).
Farina enunciates his words carefully, but his abstract lyrics feature intriguing (or sometimes just jarring) juxtapositions of words that aren't intended to have a clear, unambiguous meaning. This slow, solitary-listening music sounds smoother and jazzier than you'd probably expect from a more straightforward confessional singer/songwriter;
Farina, who seems to be more concerned with establishing a mood than with directly expressing his feelings, sounds at times like a lounge musician who's getting in touch with his inner
Leonard Cohen. If that notion intrigues you, there's a good chance that you'll enjoy this album. ~ Todd Kristel