LA based Gregory Ackerman released his first studio album, And Friends last year. While his 2018 album has not turned stale quite yet, he builds off of some of that same greatness in his 2019 LP Stresslove.
The LP begins with “Dawg,” the only track in which a lead electric guitar dominates, evoking light 70’s psychedelic rock such as Jefferson Airplane or British blues rock like Fleetwood Mac. “Follow Through” has a very radio-friendly feel to it; however, its sweet lyrics make up for it. “We’ve Got A Runner” has the same sort of sad acoustic feel as much of Sufjan Stevens’s output, incorporating some banjo and glockenspiel as well. The LP ends with “Future,” a more driving track that brings back the (slightly obnoxious) whistle motif from “Follow Through.” Regardless, it’s got enough energy to end this short and sweet LP.
This LP doesn’t really have enough to stand on its own, but that’s not to say that the four tracks aren’t good singles. While Ackerman plays it relatively safe here, we should be keeping our ears open for his next album.
Recommended If You Like: Milky Chance, The Head and the Heart, Eva B. Ross, Devarrow, Better Oblivion Community Center
Recommended Tracks: 1 (Dawg), 3 (We’ve Got A Runner)
Do Not Play: 4 (Future)
Written by Sasha Arteaga on 11/16/2019