Review Summary: “Equal parts catchy, haunting, and beautiful.”
Early last year when A Lot Like Birds guitarist Michael Franzino said he was taking to IndieGoGo to fund a new solo endeavor of his, I was cautiously optimistic. As the composer of A Lot Like Birds music Franzino had proven himself to be an excellent writer and a technically proficient player. His campaign was funded, and in order to “fully immerse himself in the creative process” he isolated himself in a cabin somewhere in the Sierra Mountain Range (hence the title) for two months. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but what he delivered with
Somewhere in the Sierras is one of the most engaging projects of recent years.
Whenever I hear hardcore or metal guitarists say they want to create a solo album that differs from their main projects, I always expect one of two things: either a dance-y pop record, or an introspective acoustic record. We actually get both of those elements with this record, along with a host of other influences peppered in for good measure. Franzino has often said he has wanted to score movies, and you get a strong sense of that with the record. Opener “A Scopare Ma Non Sentire” builds dramatically to what could easily be described as the soundtrack to a gothic cathedral. The reimagined version of the classic Jimmie Davis song “You Are My Sunshine” was written in a minor key and almost sounds like the opening theme to season three of True Detective. Franzino is not the only member present, and it is his co-vocalist Danika McClure who really adds impressive depth to the record.
Danika gets a lot of time on the record. Whether it’s her beautiful harmony in “Close Without Closure”, representing the female perspective of a troubled relationship. Along with violinist Joe Kye, the two add a strong orchestral element to the record. Bringing up the rhythm section is A Lot Like Birds drummer Joseph Arrington who, in my opinion, is one of the best and most tasteful drummers in the heavy music community. Together the compositions of Franzino are brought together in a textured and compelling package. Where the album surprisingly shines, though, is the lyrics.
There are no two ways about it, alone.’s debut is a depressing record. As I mentioned earlier with “You Are My Sunshine”, almost every song on the record was written in a minor key, giving it a somber mood even when it turns its poppiest. Songs like “Leave Me” and “Redundant, Redundant” are probably the most radio friendly songs on the album, but both still present a tongue-in-cheek and often satirical look at relationships with the latter’s verse, “Well let’s say the worst things that we can think of to each other and spend the night alone.” Or take, for example, the transitional piece “1 (800) 273 8255” and its lyrics, “If everything is meaningless, why haven’t you done it yet?” Definitely a dark line, especially if you take the time to find out the phone number in the title belongs to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Truly, though, the highlight of the album is in the closer “Maternity Leave (Funeral March 28th)”, a song written about his mother who overdosed when he was 18. The song is an open letter to her apologizing for him being a prideful teenager (“I’m sorry you left when I was still angry, my pride subsided eventually…”), detailing how he and his sister have turned out okay despite it all (“I’m sorry my sister grew to a woman without a mom, and I pray that she never takes your lead.”), and ultimately confessing he feels like he may have been the reason behind her life choices (“Because I still think of you, how I could be to blame for this, too.”). While being a powerful closer and easily the strongest song on the album, Franzino additionally proves himself to be an excellent lyricist.
As Michael croons out the final lines of the album, “Maybe it’s me that’s who let your song end too soon..” it comes to a literal and jarring end. Feeling as though I need a drink after the emotional journey I’ve taken, I sit with chills, in silence. As of this review I have listened to the album nearly two-dozen times, and continue to find new layers and intricacies to each song.
Somewhere in the Sierras is a beautiful and haunting release, and one that is worth your time.
