The Grand Undoing's new album Sparks Rain Down From The Lights Of Love (available September 29) is a love letter to David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and those who need an album with a gentle hand and a sprinkle of 70s rock.
Seth Goodman’s one man band, The Grand Undoing, is back with an album that keys into 70s lovers with a strong mix of ballads and a guy that’ll leave you impressed with how many instruments he can do!
“Sing Yourself Home” opens the album with a mix of a strong piano and his rocking vocals. The way he warbles “Shout it o-o-out” sounds so much like a Bowie classic pacing that the late legend instantly comes to mind. The Americana feel you’ll get here is echoed through the album: it’s as if he is writing to suburban listeners in backyards across the country.
“I don’t know why I’m still here, hanging ‘round on my own,” he croons on “Key Biscayne.” The light play of strings at the end of the song are quite pretty; will he bring them back? A listener wonders on first hearing. The answer is yes! This is a favorite on this album; the blend of Goodman’s voice with a note of Billy Joel influence to the melody is harmonious and well-played.
“Living In Amber” is a down tempo song that showcases Seth Goodman’s rockabilly voice. The combination of the repetitive guitar strum and the crooning Seth loves makes it feel like a Bob Dylan who was a touch faster. Clearly, Goodman is in love with the ‘70s vibe and is determined to bring it back.
“Let The Big Ball Go” combines a slower drum line than is expected. Goodman - who again, does this band by himself! - is doing double duty here as he harmonizes with himself. “Mama, can you hear me callin’” sounds bouncy, as if he’s taken the tune for “I’ve Been Working On The Railroad” and took it for a spin with adult-minded lyrics.
“Falling From A Plane” is a gentle melody. The crooned lullaby of “you don’t need to worry no more” mixes with the gentle strings - hurray! They’re back! - to give a slow rock that suggests a peacefulness. Is he suggesting we all jump out of a plane? Is he talking about a love of skydiving? The gentle tempo of the song feels like wherever we are going with Goodman
“Most Of All We Just Go Around” seems like we should be cruisin’ with the gang in 1977. He has a faster tempo here, but if you imagine Farrah Fawcett-esque bouncy curls and roller skates, you’re not far from what I’d envisioned listening to the rockable track.
“Lady In Gray” has an ethereal, lovely quality when it’s just Goodman’s voice over the string. The rise of the symphonic background lends itself to a picturesque love song. The mix of piano and strings is charming; do you have a lady to woo? Perhaps this is the track for you to enchant.
“Sparks Rain Down From The Lights Of Love” has a clap track and a doubled Goodman that makes you imagine what he would be like to hear live, perhaps playing a county fair. It’s a rockable, simple song with a 70s guitar riff thrown in.
“The Winter” introduces an oboe into the mix. How many instruments does this guy play? How does he make it seem so simple? The fact that he’s doing this all himself doesn’t escape those familiar with the band. The intricate guitar picking is a stark contrast to his sung melody, a crooned slow beat with lyrics like “it gets me every time when I get home /and spring is just the dream I can barely remember” that inspire a frozen landscape.
“Anyway The Wind” is another ballad that fits in with “The Winter” and “Lady In Gray”. If you need a release with a gentle 70s vibe to it, this is the album for you. He does sound a touch like David Bowie’s slow jams. “Any way the wind blows is fine” he coos. This would be a great song to pair with a hammock after a long day of work.
Could you listen to a ‘70s band you’ve heard already? Yes. Could you listen to a one-man band that will show you something unusual instead? Definitely. Here’s a taste of “Most Of All We Just Go Around” to enjoy.
Have a great weekend!
