Artist:
Ray LaMontagne
Label:
RCA Record Label
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Duration:
8 tracks, 39:40
‘The
ouroboros or uroboros is an ancient symbol depicting a serpent or dragon eating
its own tail. The ouroboros often symbolizes self-reflexivity or cyclicality,
especially in the sense of something constantly re-creating itself, the eternal
return, and other things such as the phoenix which operate in cycles that begin
anew as soon as they end.’ - Wikipedia
One
could say Ray LaMontagne’s ouroboros is the continually growing and changing
music he creates in new and unique directions. As one collection of his music
is released another new and exciting offering begins. Early LaMontagne fans
would argue this point when recalling the alt-folk-leaning-toward-country
sounds of God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise while not embracing the change
in future offerings, i.e. Supernova. But listen to his catalogue chronologically
compared to his peers and see him leading the fray to new and exciting musical
realms.
Ouroboros
has eight tracks divided into two ‘Parts’ to represent a traditional LP with
two sides. Each of the four songs per ‘part’ meld together as one long piece. At
times sweet and soft, at others bold and brash, the collection is as true to
his evolution and musical quality as was Supernova. Another leader in musical
change management both produced and contributes on acoustic guitar, electric
guitar, Juno, saxophone, siren,
synthesizer and backing vocals on Ouroboros in Jim James of My Morning Jacket
(MMJ). James production shines while the music benefits by the remainder of
MMJ’s band playing not only on the album but also supporting LaMontagne on his
upcoming tour of Ouroboros.
Part
One:
“Homecoming”
– A kick drum like a fast heart beat gives initial foundation to a dark piano
opening leading to soft acoustic guitar strumming with LaMontagne’s signature,
dream-like vocals reciting his prose.
“Hey,
No Pressure” – With vocals loud and brash, the electric guitar leads the melody
like a heard of ancient, far eastern warring elephants while the vocals are
full of urgency speaking of life’s anxiety and the need to carefully make
choices:
‘I
hate to see you crumbling (hey, no pressure)
You
need to know we are your friends (hey, no pressure)
This
life is full of give and take (hey, no pressure, hey, no pressure)
Be
careful of the choice you make (hey, no pressure, hey, no pressure)
Anything
you want your life to mean it can mean
Anything
you want your life to mean
Anything
you want to be you can be
Anything
you want to be you can be
Hey,
no pressure’
“Changing
Man” – the tone continues with arena-like bold electric guitar.
“While
It Still Beats” – showcases LaMontagne’s vocals taking on a dramatic, hard tone
underlining the message while later drifting into an angelic chorus to complete
the feel. Anthemic and in-line with Pink Floyd compositions at their apex.
Part
Two:
“In
My Own Way” - soft and gentle with the refrain ‘I’ll spend the day in my own way.’
Truly a very beautiful song, very relaxing while transporting the listener to
some abandoned beach in the Lesser Antilles with its soft and warm tone.
“Another
Day” – quickly the snare drum beats to the quiet and carefully sung tune of
seasons change just as life’s season’s change.
“A
Murmuration Of Starlings” – smooth and meandering instrumental underscoring the
feeling of “Another Day”. This is a wonderful bridge between two heart-felt
offerings.
“Wouldn’t
It Make A Lovely Photograph” – tells the beauty of love and innocence. The
ending refrain states the case for the album’s content not being radio-ready
with:
Never
gonna hear this song on the radio
Never
gonna hear this song on the radio
Never
gonna hear this song
Never
gonna hear this song
Ouroboros
is that very rare recording that is art in its truest form - big and bright,
full
of emotion and wonder.
Scott
S Mertens
4
1/2 tocks
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