Life is a ride, and at the bottom of the track, we can only hope that we’ll come back to welcomers asking us, “would you do it again?” Which is precisely the question I asked myself after listing to Slowriter’s (Bryan Taylor, formerly of The Chariot) new full length, Trailblazer.
The album embodies the spirit of a narrated attraction. In the “Intro” we are greeted with a voice, similar to that of the one found on Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride. While there is no reminding to keep your hands and arms inside while the buggy moves, it bears warning to keep your “tape decks up at full volume.” The double doors swing forward, forcing you into momentary darkened silence….
I will tell you to proceed with caution; the vocals on this record are not pretty and autotuned. If you are someone who is looking for flawless notes, I suggest you listen to Justin Timberlake, otherwise, Bryan Taylor’s voice is as charming as Peter Doherty’s. Couple that with familiar rhythms as found in Owl City, and an interesting sound is concocted.
“April 8,” begins our tour as we fall down a rabbit hole, and leads us into “Omen,” which is much like riding anything found in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Don’t worry – Trailblazer doesn’t come with any concerning side effects. You may however, feel an incredible guilt for enjoying an eerily configured record that touches on the more disturbing aspects of one’s psyche. The fifth song, “Just a Kid,” really hones in on the sounds that I feel serial killers, such as that of Norman Bates (at least in his early childhood), heard as they tried to fight against the whisperings of their Ids. In fact, before I heard the ending to the track, I made this assumption and was pleasantly surprised when I heard Bates and one of his more notable killings from his adulthood make an appearance.
Another’s noise, is another’s music. Trailblazer is a combination of both, creating an unforgettable presence in one’s imaginary theme park. Unlike that of Disneyland or Six Flags, Taylor has created a ride with ever changing imagery that is bound to run on a steady track without breakdowns and refurbishing.
You can purchase your tickets to Slowriter‘s Trailblazer for its grand opening on April 23rd, courtesy of Autumn + Color Records.
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