Aaron Sprinkle's new album is moody. But what does one expect from the former guitar player of Poor Old Lu and front man of Rose Blossom Punch. He's a Seattle native and the rain inevitably seeps out of the bones and into the music.
His new album, moontraveler, is a sleeper. It takes a few nights of sleep to appreciate it. At first listen, it drones on and on with the monotone of Sprinkle's voice. It may take the listener a while to differentiate between the songs. They have a similar sound unless one hears the album a few times. It's an album of sublime passion. Sprinkle's personality comes through this album as being subtle but witty, quiet but passionate. It's a lyrically complex album. Lyrical nuances, suggestions and impressions replace the straightforward lyrics that many musicians use.
Musically, the guitar melodies loop over and over to create a sound that lingers in the mind after the music is gone. Sprinkle's guitar is the central force and guts of the album. He shows his talent for catchy rhythms, but goes overboard on his use of loops in many of his songs. The use of what sounds like a euphonium in "All In A Day's Work" is ingenious and it catches the ear immediately. The euphonium-type-sound mixed with the non-traditional percussion makes for a pleasing auditory hybrid.
This album is worthwhile for its moody and subtly sarcastic tone and lyrics. Sprinkle has always been good for a quietly emotional album and he has accomplished that with moontraveler. It just takes some time to appreciate this one, but any Poor Old Lu or Rose Blossom Punch fan will appreciate it. It may sound strange, but I think it would also appeal to fans of Beck's music.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
7ball #27Reviewed by Keith GilesYou might recognize Aaron Sprinkle as the former guitarist for poor old lu, or more recently as the vocalist and guitarist for Rose Blossom Punch. But until you've heard his new solo debut, Moontraveler, it's a safe bet you have yet to hear his best. The album is a bittersweet collection of 10 songs filled with melancholy and poignant disclosures of one man's personal struggle with sin and…HM Magazine #79Reviewed by David BixlerWell, for all of you Poor Old Lu fans who are still lamenting their demise, there may be a glimmer of hope, as the long-awaited solo release from Aaron Sprinkle appears on the horizon. I remember playing the first song on this disc and having someone ask me if this was a Poor Old Lu song he had not heard! The influences are definitely evident throughout the CD, but this CD has a fresh and unique…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Joe RockstrohCult followers of Poor Old Lu take notice, Aaron Sprinkle is back (not that he ever went away, having also formed the band Rose Blossom Punch). With a foundation of gentle acoustic guitars and Sprinkle's signature smooth voice, this album's blend of alternative folk pop is a winning combination. With songs ranging from the trippy Mike Knott-esque "Antennae's Wife" to the charged atmosphere and…Similar sounding releases
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