You never know what you’re gonna learn on Twitter. I just found out that Jeremy Enigk, formerly of Sunny Day Real Estate, has a new album on the way. Some quick searching, and here’s the press release…
From his time as lead singer of Sunny Day Real Estate and The Fire Theft to his accomplished solo career, Jeremy Enigk’s singing has had the remarkable quality of becoming more nuanced with each album he records. It’s as if each of his life experiences literally adds a new color to his voice. On his new album, OK Bear, he reminds us once again why he is credited with influencing an entire generation of song-writers.
Enigk opts for a relatively stripped-down rock aesthetic on OK Bear compared to the orchestral nature of his previous two solo albums. In this setting the dynamic qualities of his voice shine more than ever. Although fewer instruments are employed, the dramatic crescendos that are a staple of Enigk’s work are present as ever, and provide a satisfying catharsis to each and every song.
The sheets of noise that bookend “Late of Camera” form the album’s noisiest moments, and the song itself is shaped by intense peaks and dreamy valleys. On the other hand, Enigk’s voice quivers with fragility on the minimalist slow-burner, “Vale Oso.” As usual, he explores the subtleties of the human psyche with a complete lack of pretension, but Enigk also delves into lyrical themes about subjects that are entirely separated from himself. For example, “Sant Feliu de Guíxols” is about the town in Spain where the album was recorded, as well as the Saint for which it was named after.
As immediately satisfying on the first listen as it is revelatory after several spins, it is no wonder that Enigk already has a place in music history. OK Bear ensures that he will continue to command our attention for years to come.
