Description
Ever since his debut album Dolls Of Highland was released on Sub Pop in 2016, Kyle Craft has been a critics dream. Based in Portland, he serves up all the observational, storytelling talent with none of the attitude that so often comes with male singersongwriter territory. Ive found my place, he says. Im not one of those people that approaches music for anyone other than myself. My favorite part about music is when its just me and a notebook. Speaking of, his second album Full Circle Nightmare is entirely autobiographical. Sonically, thematically, lyrically, its a huge leap forward from his 2016 release.
The title Full Circle Nightmare refers to a moment where Craft saw his life for what it is and told himself to be satisfied. But thats nightmarish to me, he laughs. He described his debut record as: like walking down this long hall of bizarre characters and surreal experiences, moving through the spider web of love and loss. This album is when you get to the end of that hallway, turn around and see all the stuff youve been through, then walk through the door, close it and start a new chapter in an even crazier hallway. A straight-up rollicking rock & roll album, it traverses all the different nuances of the genre; from the bluegrass twang of Exile Rag to the gothic style of Gold Calf Moan, its a timeless piece that could exist in any of the past five decades.
In terms of contemporary peers, Craft likes to stay in his own lane. Hes an old soul who sticks to his tried and tested influences. Social media is not his game its just not interesting to him. Hes not fussed about preaching his politics or discussing the status quo either. I dont really like writing a time piece. I dont wanna get trapped in the Donald Trump era of Kyle Craft, you know? Im a very off-the-grid sort of person. As much as I am traveling across this giant place sometimes I just feel so outside of it. Also, Im not necessarily a stand-up citizen so its hard for me to say: heres Kyle Crafts America, ladies and gentlemen.
The ironic thing is that Full Circle Nightmare sounds exactly like Kyle Crafts America. That is what hes built for us: the story of one mans trials and tribulations to find his passion and voice for art and creativity in this vast opportunistic country. Where did he find it? Among the historic riches of Americas most honest sounds.
Loser Edition coloured vinyl format available to independent retailers.
Vinyl formats include digital download code.
Undeniably unique: Kyle Craft is a strong contender for outsider of the year. An unlikely hero of the year. An unlikely hero of rock music, hes nonetheless created a noteworthy, potentially groundbreaking debut album. Paste
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