This new one from Oregon DIY music maker, Rich Swanger is many things. It is a cool folk slice, it is a lyrically smart piece, blending bible-references into modern narratives in a similar way to what Bob Walkenhorst did so well with The Rainmakers songs, and it is a deftly delivered and wonderfully understated song. But more than that, it is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Because “Awfully Good” is just that….awfully good.
Channelling folk singers through the ages, from 50’s troubadours to the 60’s singer-songwriter set to the various folk revivals that crop up periodically, this is the sound of established traditions being repolished for a new age.
It is an excellent piece that incorporates everything from ticking beats and dexterous fingerstyle guitar work, as well as some imaginative use of sounds and sonic inclusions, more after the fashion of how a Foley artist might add their touch to a song rather than a musician’s approach.
Taking the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders as his metaphor for the message, “Awfully Good” blends ancient wisdom with established folk sounds and spoken word with warm and soothing vocal deliveries.
This is how you make music for the modern era that is both fresh and yet familiar, containing a timeless message and putting it in a recognisable context: a great song, great playing and an artist to watch out for.
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