Sometime in 2010, I was introduced to a couple of artists (The Decemberists and Forgive Durden), that were more theatrical than “rockin’.” They transformed the way I perceived traditional rock/pop music by making it more narrative based and, well…musical. The most compelling element of this genre is that your imagination is free to create alongside the words despite how fixed the story and its overall tone, seem to be; there is no movie or actual screenplay to influence how you view the characters. They simply live in your headphones in melodious situations. Needless to say, when I find myself needing to burst out into song, as if my life were an actual real-life musical, I turn to artists like Jon Lindsay and his album Summer Wilderness Program.
At first listen, I assumed I had stumbled across a solo project from Andrew Volpe, lead singer of St. Louis band, Ludo. I was clearly mistaken. This is where I admit that I countlessly checked Wikipedia to make sure I had all my facts straight. And it was somewhat of a challenge as Lindsay has been in several well-known bands. (Benji Hughes? The Young Sons? Anyone?) But despite their similarities, there is a gentleness to Lindsay’s voice that distinguishes him greatly from Ludo frontman.
In every great story, there is a struggle for love, whether it is to be loved or to forget it. Lindsay explores this theme in a bubbly manner, even when it seems that all hope is lost. You can’t help but to clap along to “After Dark,” despite that this unfortunate character just lost his girl, and wants nothing more than arms of security. Then there is the track, “Tiny Violins,” which is a satirical piece that had me chuckling. The best part? There are actual violins, personifying the instrument as something more. The mechanics of Summer Wilderness Program are crafted so cunningly that each musical element assists in exploring the depths of a track – there is a song behind a song. Instruments are as much of the actors as the words or the singers who speak and harmonize to them.
No two songs are alike. They are each their own life in their own right. Some tracks sound more like Owl City with light synths, while others remind me of The Decemberists with harpsichords and classical piano riffs.
“And there really ain’t much more to say,” sings Lindsay at the conclusion of“Where Love Goes to Die,.” My sentiments exactly. If you find yourself in the mood for witty and musically infused indie tunes, then look no further than for the premiere of Jon Lindsay’s Summer Wilderness Program, out June 26th courtesy of Bear Hearts Fox Records.
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