Review Summary: The simplistic version of Father Sufjan Green.
In a year where Sufjan Stevens, City & Colour and Father John Misty were in the center of attention when it comes to indie-acoustic-whatever-folk releases, it's no wonder that newcomer C Duncan and his debut "Architect" passed by unnoticed. That said, however, it's a record worth checking out, at least if you're enjoying aforementioned artists.
In fact, this album combines some of the basic elements found on those popular 2015 releases and adds something to it, best described as simplicity. First thing you'll notice are the soothing vocals, very reminiscent of Sufja Stevens voice. They are mostly accompanied by medi-upbeat rhythms in the background, while acoustic guitarstrings take the lead. Every now and then the singing is supported by chants that will remind you of Father John Mistys recent work with it's church-like elements, also found here, just implemented more subdued to other aspects. Especially in the refrains, the vocals frequently get backgrounded by those chant-effects and the voices rises up into areas that make you think of City & Colour. If Dallas Green and Sufjan Stevens had a child, this would be his voice.
What makes it different from the others though, is the rather simple way the songs seem to be written. If anyone of us were handed a guitar and had 15 minutes to pick the strings just as he feels like, the result would be some short, little melodies just like those driving many songs of this record. It's instantly accessable and charming. Nevertheless, C Duncan manages to form full fletched songs out of them, frequently adding ambient soundeffects, which provide a somewhat electronic touch. You will also notice the use of pianos or string instruments on some occassions, but only when paying attention, since their inclusion was done just as subtle.
Actually, those instances where the record moves into bigger tones, are the ones to critcize. As mentioned before, when some of the refrains kick in, there's a switch from merely soothing vocals into more higher and powerful notes, which is amplified even more by the inclusion of those choir-like background effects to the voice. Problem is, that contemporaniously, those chants dash into spotlight so ostentatiously, it sometimes happens at the expense of the rather gentle instrumentation. Thus, even though you'll definitely get a hang of hearing the differences, many of the songs can sound quite similiar, especially when it comes to their chorus.
The concept of simplicity doesn't end with the music though, for the lyrical themes mostly being just as simplistic. One of the songs is about the joy of sitting in your garden and forgetting about your troubles. The other one describes how a beloved jacket is being worn all over the place. But there are also some meta-topics like the sea or getting away from everything in your life, which reappear on several tracks. So on the one hand, you got instantly relatable things from everyday life, while on the other hand metaphorical themes give you an opportunity to make something out on and for your own.
This record doesn't have the emotional impact of a 'Carrie and Lowell', but it doesn't want to. It's perfect to be listened by the way when being busy with other things or just lying around and thinking about something else. The ambient elements and rather lengthy song durations accompany this impression. So just relax and enjoy the great simple music of an artist we might hear from in the future.
