Mike Stocksdale – Connectors
Exceptionally experienced, Californian songwriter, Mike Stocksdale, is releasing his newest collection of songs in Connectors, an effervescent and bold album where humans joyfully play blues-inspired indie rock: no AI or click tracks here. Stocksdale has years of discography to his name, and Connectors only further serves to demonstrate his overall musicianship and critical acclaim. The album is an impressively fluid listen, with each song transitioning into the next as easily as taking your next breath.
Album opener, “Nothing Like Beginning,” queues with echoing percussion and brilliant guitar and harmonica. A tambourine splashes in your ears. The song is overall very catchy and consistent, and immediately points to fantastic songwriting. The relatable lyrics, “And if God exists / Then sign me up / ‘Cause that means God made you…” are poetic, yet straightforward. “Nothing Like Beginning” bleeds into another single from Connectors called, “Elevator.” There is a fat, wet snare along with crispy hi-hats and twinkling guitar. Stocksdale charmingly delivers, “I’ve been pushing all your buttons / Hoping we might go for a ride…” which is reminiscent of playful love, and conveys that your partner-in-crime can uplift you.
“Tabs,” Song Four, has more clean vocals and a tamer sort of push-pull to the music. The chorus in this one is gigantic, and it features a chunky ride cymbal bell alerting you to the lushness of the instrumentals. There is also wonderful percussion work about three-quarters of the way through the song. Later on is “Ohio,” displaying Stocksdale’s gentleness – an uncanny ability to write effectively even when its just him and his acoustic guitar. “Ohio” is light and airy, with a plucking riff that serves as an ode to Iron & Wine. Yet another perfect transition is between “Ohio” and song seven, “Suspicions of the Apocalypse.” Track seven is the proverbial (but beloved) black sheep of Connectors – it creeps forward uniquely. There are bongos and other auxiliary percussion, and the song in its totality is more of a story told. It’s grimy and deep, bursting into huge instrumentals in between the storytelling.
Tune number ten is “Probabilities,” yet another album highlight. A sparkling guitar lead shines as the song pops in and out. The vocals have a certain folk effect on them making them sound quite distant. The snare is a signature sound by this point, and the questioning lyrics, “Is this the way it oughta be? / Am I doing it right?” are cleverly inserted, garnering empathy. Finally, the short and sweet album closer, “Still a Chance at Anything,” switches things up with a new instrument in the piano. The song begs you to believe that anything is possible, as long as you are still breathing. The quick end has a lasting impact – some connections are brief, but all the more meaningful.
Overall, Connectors is an amazing effort from Mike Stocksdale. This album makes you feel understood, and the vibe successfully varies between chill and fierce. With ups and downs and both quietness and heaviness, Connectors is an apt portrayal of important relationships. This album is FFO M. Ward, Dr. Dog, and Father John Misty Listen to the singles from Connectors on Spotify and Apple Music to prepare for the album’s release.
Categorised in: Album Reviews
This post was written by Jake Sessanna