By Brittany Rotondo
Whether it’s begging for forgiveness, wooing zombie women or doing hard time, Langhorne Slim’s latest album “Lost At Last Vol. 1” is a bittersweet 35-minute ode of release and reconnection. “We look to our phones, drugs, sex, whatever to find ourselves when it’s already right here…”
Born Sean Scolnick, Slim hails from New Hope, PA and when not road running, resides in Nashville. Scolnick gained notice when Rolling Stone named his debut EP, “Electric Love Letter”, a Top 5 Editor’s pick. Since then, Slim has gained traction with Lollapalooza, songs featured in Sundance films, appearing multiple times on Letterman and Conan O’Brien and traveling alongside Drive By Truckers, Violent Femmes and pals The Avett Brothers.
Langhorne, joined by the Lost at Last Band, played a sold-out show this past September at Union Transfer. He sipped spaghetti and sang to Family and Friends and even teased some tracks off the new album. Though Slim’s shows are a bit more subdued, what’s recorded here is a foot-stomping folk tale, shrouded in a single spotlight on the veteran’s tipped velvet hat.
“I felt a deep desire to make another album. One that would take a step sideways in order to take a step forward; One that would be very personal and raw. In the making of this record, I made a deal with myself to trust my own voice and vision more than I ever have before, and to go willingly wherever it led.”
The 6th studio album released on Dualtone Records is scheduled on shelves November 10th and is the most unique to date. There’s a certain Charlie Chaplin-esque skitting (Money Road Shuffle) some heavy pending absolution (Private Property) and a sure-fire well of sincerity (Never Break). Another lullaby is the arsonistic “Alligator Girl”; A swampy melody, drenched in quiet boogie-woogie piano. Certainly a short glance away from the normal Langhorne Slim catalog; Something unborrowed from the Pennsylvanian.
That road eventually led Slim and company to California’s Panoramic House Studio to finish writing, rehearsing and recording what would become the echoing 13 track narrative. Next up for the band is a quick stop around the East Coast then down on to Mexico. Purposefully Langhorne chimes, “I hope it will offer a small flame to dance by when it feels cold and dark.”
Light the way, Slim!
Rating: 100% Battery Power
(Photo By: Harvey Robinson)
