Perhaps not every fan knows this name, but a lot of people knows and respects the band he is the leader of. The vocalist of the Chicago-based Zelienople, Matt Christensen, three years after releasing the absolutely wonderful "Show Us The Fire" shows the audience his very own album "Grown Gifts".
The solo works by Christensen have much less noise and experimental nature (worth mentioning is that one of the tags on Bandcamp under this album says "regular songs with words") and focuses on acoustic songs that are both beautiful and unsettling. Everything the artist needs is his own, warm voice and a guitar that is also, or maybe first of all, heard as delicately dirty noise in the backgrounds. The tracks flow from the speakers slowly, it's clear that Christensen doesn't rush anywhere and would rather make some more of his magical atmosphere than put down his guitar too early.
Filled with personal experience and memories lyrics seem to match the more peaceful tracks by Piano Magic and build up both intimate and melancholic ambiance. Lacking the catchiness but rich with emotions music by Christensen is a must-listen-to at late nights.
"Grown Gifts" costs 5 USD.
