I was new to Ryan Culwell going into his ‘I Think I’ll Be Their God’ EP, which dropped in the States September 4th and is due in the UK October 16th. But I came away from the four tracks that make up the record more enlightened, more introspective, and knowing that I would like to hear more. It’s the perfect taster to deliver to an audience who saw him supporting Patty Griffin in London on September 10th, a great introduction to a man who has been described as “one of the most exciting new Americana artists to come out of the deep south in years.”
The set opens with the gently picked acoustic ballad ‘Amarillo’, a beautiful reflection on being stuck in a town – perhaps metaphorically – that stops him from growing up, settling down, and doing what’s expected of him. Such a state of mind is common in current twenty- and thirty-somethings, with increased opportunity, decreased financial potential and a huge amount of pressure to perform – leading many to wander lost through their youthful years. Whether literal or figurative, ‘Amarillo’ captures that sense of not quite slotting together like everyone around seems to have done, and there’s a beautiful melancholy in that.
‘Let’s Roll’, a co-write with Megan McCormick (who also co-produced the track) continues the serene, stripped-back folk approach, as Ryan finds the faith and strength to carry on traveling, never looking back yet knowing he’ll be fine because he is accompanied by a loved one. It’s a touching sentiment that revels in how love has the power to motivate us and remove our earthly fears. The title track, meanwhile, is a dust bowl stomp with heavily distorted vocals that explores identity and the different, sometimes problematic roles these people play in our society.
‘Tie My Pillow To A Tree’ closes the EP, and is a far more reflective take on a life well lived that feels highly personal, somewhat melancholic yet ultimately peaceful as he prepares for what may come. At just two minutes in length, it begins soft and gentle before rising like a beast to rage against the storm, falling into slumber as it ends just as quickly as it began. It’s an apt metaphor for life and the roller coaster waves it brings.
‘Flatlands’, Ryan’s full-length album that was released in America earlier this year, is due to hit the UK in January. If this EP is any indication, it’s well worth the listen, and he is certainly on my radar from this point forward.
Originally posted here.
