Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Music Review


Tyson Motsenbocker, Almira - EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Tyson Motsenbocker
Almira - EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Folk
Album length: 5 tracks: 17 minutes, 31 seconds
Street Date: September 22, 2017


READER RATING:   


Many a Christian music fan were pretty surprised when legendary indie/rock label Tooth and Nail Records signed a folk singer/songwriter back in 2015. Of course, when the earnest heart, minimalistic beauty, and mature storytelling capabilities of Tyson Motsenbocker shone throughout his debut, the world made a lot more sense. After the solid release that was Letters to Lost Loves, one might expect Motsenbocker's next project to be more ambitious in scale. Instead, what we get is Almira, a 5-song EP that clocks in at under 20 minutes and is probably all the better for it.

The title track gives listeners everything that they've come to know from Motsenbocker: simple acoustic picking, clean yet cutting vocals, and a lot of empty space to let the lyrics breathe. On top of this formula comes an effects-heavy electric guitar in the bridge that increases the song's memorability. The lament of an old relationship is painfully clear here: "I saved all your voicemails/After you were gone/Asking me to call you back/From the great beyond." Motsenbocker is also careful to pay homage to his rural roots in Washington (hence the town "Almira"), while maintaining focus on the heartache.

"Memphis" opens up with a lively rhythm section, and it's clear from the key, chord progression and vocal melody that this tune is essentially part 2 of "Almira." While the title track was sullen, the energetic instrumental performances on this one invoke more of a sense of angst here. This kind of continuity brings the narrative to life and shows that important stories have multiple sides to them. It's actually quite an artistic move for a folk singer to make.

Motsenbocker dives more into country sensibilities with "You're Still Here." The background vocals are a nice touch, and the timely electric guitar licks help elevate this song, but it still feels a little lackluster in comparison. The theme of traveling through different narrative moods continues however, as this one comes across as a little more optimistic.

The single, "Coeur D'Alene," opens up with a driving beat and an infectious guitar tone, and it holds onto that vitality the rest of the way through. It's probably the catchiest thing Motsenbocker has ever released, and the fast vocal delivery makes it the standout of the EP. On the flip side, "Rust" is definitely his most experimental track, as thumping electronic percussion and synths are present throughout. These contrasting elements are expertly handled since they are very light in the mix, permitting Motsenbocker's vocals to take center stage. Even if fans aren't expecting this move, they'll likely appreciate that it still has the emotional emphasis of a Motsenbocker tune.

Some may want more than 18 minutes of Motsenbocker, but Almira is definitely sweet because of its shortness. Letters to Lost Loves' length made it a bit stale over time, but Motsenbocker's laser focus here serves the narrative well and empowers new musical ideas to start to form. Although he does not venture far from the tried and true themes of love and loss, Almira is an EP that's heart is home, and thus, feels just like it.

- Review date: 9/21/17, written by Mason Haynie of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Try Pop Culture Coffee!

 

. Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records
. Album length: 5 tracks: 17 minutes, 31 seconds
. Street Date: September 22, 2017
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Almira (4:10)
  2. Memphis (4:00) (*contains the word "d*mn" in the chorus)
  3. You're Still Here (4:03)
  4. Coeur d'Alene (2:34)
  5. Rust (2:44)

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Try Pop Culture Coffee!

Search JFH



This Tuesday, June 3, 2025
SINGLES
Sixpence None The Richer The Needle and the Damage Done - Single [Flatiron]

This Friday, June 6, 2025
ALBUMS
CCV Hollow (Deluxe) (independent)
Ben Fuller Walk Through Fire [Provident]
Hopeful. The Wild One - EP (independent)
Christy Nockels King Who Never Sleeps; Anthems for Rest [The Fuel]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down My Will - Single [BEC]
Bill B. & Cyrus Sonata Kevlar - Single [Syntax]
Elan Brio I'm Satisfied (ft. Henry Israel) - Single (independent)
Aaron Cole NOBODY BUT GOD - Single [Provident]
Equippers Worship Living in Freedom (Live) - Single [DREAM]
Good Weather Forecast Pray - Single [DREAM]
Ic3rd & EJ Swavv Woke Up (ft. CJ Emulous & George.Rose) - Single [Syntax]
King David tha Vessel Consistant - Single (independent)
Brandon Lake Daddy's DNA [Provident]
Myles Maestro Flood (ft. Ace Savage & Shruumi) - Single [Syntax]
Mell Omii Wave - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Mr. Pilot - Single [Syntax]
River Valley Worship Time For Revival - Single [BEC]
Roy Tosh Everything's Gonna Be Alright (feat. PEABOD) - Single [RMG Amplify]
Solachi Voz All I Need - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Genesis (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]
Ayiesha Woods I Have Hope - Single [Backsider]

VINYL
Ironwrath Master Storyteller Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, June 13, 2025
ALBUMS
Coqui Death to Your Ego [DREAM]
King's Hammer To Speak In Tongues - EP [Rottweiler]
Brandon Lake King Of Hearts [Provident]
Joel Vaughn Feel It - EP [DREAM]
War of Ages Eternal (15th Anniversary Edition) [Facedown]

SINGLES
CalledOut Music Worthy of It All - Single [Integrity]
Equippers Worship Garment of Praise - Single [DREAM]
Mainstream Worship Near - Single [DREAM Worship]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images