As I only review things that I can get a bit enthusiastic about, I passed on reviewing a few earlier Ryley Walker releases. I don't know why, but nothing clicked for me. However, his newest record, out today on Bella Union, is one that at least demands a reaction. Not everything on Course in Fable works, but I respect the chances being taken here, and the musicianship all throughout the whole enterprise.
Opener "Striking Down Your Big Premiere" blends Zappa-style guitar flourishes with a neo-folk-y lyrical line. The effect is distinctive enough, as is the similar "Clad with Bunk", another busy number. Walker presides over all this with a combination of bravery and humility. He's got to earn some credit for taking these big stylistic chances, and a bit more for letting the musicians around him -- like Bill MacKay -- take the spotlight. When this all works, it works very well, like on "Pond Scum Ocean", a lovely, long number near the end of Course in Fable. Some of this reminds a tiny bit of mid-period Fiona Apple, or Love, but Walker's brand of gentle alt-rock is more concerned with mood, than feeling. If that makes sense. "Shiva with Dustpan", the closer here, seems to me the best track here, one which has the accessibility of Jeff Buckley but with a ruminative undercurrent that suggess the kind of bands producer/engineer John McEntire once worked with years ago.
Course in Fable is out today via Bella Union.
More details on Ryley Walker at RyleyWalker.com.
[Photo: Evan Jenkins]