Album Review: Walter Schreifels - An Open Letter To The Scene

Walter Schreifels' first outing as a solo artist concludes being a charming, easy-going record that is all-round pleasing on the ear. The ten tracks found on 'An Open Letter To The Scene', manage with great ease to combine Schreifels' laid back acoustic guitar with his road-worn voice, which brings about a nice combination throughout.

Tracks like 'Arthur Lee's Lullaby' and 'Society Sucker' are short and sweet, that may sound basic but there is enough there to take in, as Schreifels' tales are given plenty of space to be understood. Whilst his work in Youth Of Today, Gorilla Biscuits and Rival Schools has its origins in hardcore and rock. Here Walter puts on his indie-rock disguise on, that is refreshing to hear.

Whilst at times Schreifels' words are mixed with pop-like sensibility ('Save The Saveables' and 'Don't Gotta Prove It'), the Bright Eyes-esq 'Shootout' proves to be a sombre number with gentle strumming, that is straight to the point and easy-going; as well as one of many favourable tracks.

Other noteworthy tracks are 'Wild Pandas'; is musically bare and calm in delivery. 'Ballad Of Lil' Kim' is a somewhat humourous ode to the US female rapper, that is instantly enjoyable, with its tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Nevertheless the title track closes the record, with a nostalgic tone and clear message that hints at a sense of closeness.

On the whole Walter Schreifels has crafted a short, gratifying record that is instant, thanks to its stripped demeanor and lyrical finesse. I'll even go out on a limb here and say its one of my favourite records so far this year, and one that will most certainly be getting a few repeated plays.

4.5/5

'An Open Letter To The Scene' by Walter Schreifels is available now on Big Scary Monsters Recordings.

Walter Schreifels on MySpace.

Sean Reid