OK, maybe we aren't the most unbiased sources. It's no secret that the TEAM are huge Menomena fans and have cultivated enough of a relationship with them that Brent was willing to fly from Portland just to play in our store for our 5th anniversary. You'll just have to trust us that we wouldn't be lauding all the accolades in this review unless we really believed it. (We don't like anyone enough to say their record is great if it's really not.)
Brent Knopf's first solo record, under the name Ramona Falls, is easily one of the best records of the year. Nothing other than his biography makes this sound like a side project. Each song is meticulously constructed, and has that attention to detail and nuance intrinsic to the first two Menomena albums. Knopf augmented his prodigious songwriting with help from 35 guest musicians, but the record never seems crowded or overcooked. With an uncanny ability for knowing exactly when, and at what level, to throw instrumental or vocal flourishes into his songs, the open spaces are well placed, and the quiet moments are all the more effective given the cacophony of noises found in other parts.
Intuit also sounds like a deeply personal record, with reflections on love (both found and lost), mortality, and existence. This is where Knopf's talents as a singer really shine. With his voice, he is able to convey all the thoughts he can't solely articulate in his lyrics. Listen to the desperation in his voice on stand out "Clover" as he sings "my heart just wants to know that it exists", or "I'm desperate just to find a respite for my mind", on "Going Once, Going Twice" or the entirety of "Darkest Day".
Intuit is closed beautifully by the tandem of "Bellyfulla" and "Diamond Shovel". "Bellyfulla" starts quietly and builds to a euphoric release of overdubbed vocals that carry the song. It may be the most exquisite track on the record. "Diamond Shovel" is one of those songs that could only be the last track on a record. It's sparse, graceful, and heartbreaking.
See Ramona Falls at The Beachland September 12th! Danny from Menomena is in the touring band!
Recommended If You Like:
Menomena, multi-talented multi-instrumentalists, fairytales, color, hope, magic, using your imagination, getting the chills, and records that you can listen to 50 times and still hear new things you didn't hear before
Looks Like:
a nice guy finishing first.
Feels Like:
flying on a trapeze.
Smells Like:
warm, melty chocolate.
Listen to When:
making wishes on stars.
Vinyl the Cat Says:
This record gives me sweet dreams when I'm sleeping in my cardboard "PHONOGRAPH RECORDS" box.
Available on CD. Vinyl is forthcoming, but it might be awhile.
Ramona Falls - I Say Fever
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