‘The Rusty’ is the perfect title for this new album because the music is
unrefined and makes you want to shake the rust off and get into this
10-song set. With elements of indie rock, post-punk rock, progressive
and alternative, Wellbeloved delivers an unconventional style that gets
right down to ‘The Rusty’. If you’re in the mood for something
different, then ‘The Rusty’ by Wellbeloved might be your ticket!
Wellbeloved is made up of: David Wellbeloved on vocals & guitar, Charlie
Kramer on lead guitar & lap steel, Bracken Hendricks on drums &
background vocals, Jeff Grosfeld on bass & organ, David Crandall on
tenor sax & harmonica, Gaither Pratt on baritone sax and Julie Sincore &
Aaron Margosis on additional vocals. ‘The Rusty’ was recorded and mixed
at Inner Ear Studio by Don Zientara and the album was produced by Don
Zientara & David Wellbeloved. ‘The Rusty’ was released under LifeSkills
Records and it is said that “Wellbeloved is perhaps the most important
indie rock artist that you’ve (probably) never heard of”. With that
being said, this is the first studio recording from David Wellbeloved in
over 25 years, so with heavy anticipation we’re ready to dive in!
Right from the start, the listener will get hit with a raw sound along
with nitty-gritty, guitar playing on ”Jump into the Fire”. Wellbeloved
opens up with edgy vocals and an alternative vibe to go along with a
unique format/structure on “Jump into the Fire”. Next, Wellbeloved is
digging deep lyrically on “Thankful (Not Fire)” where you will hear a
low-key approach and emotional words. On track three, “They Fall”, one
will receive a bit of a dreary tone and also sense that “They Fall” and
fall hard! “Freedom is a Shotgun” is shooting into your eardrums next
with lyrical bullets penetrating your brain. “Freedom is a Shotgun” is
short but stout where Wellbeloved has plenty of musical ammunition. Get
ready to stumble into the next number where Wellbeloved is laggin’ &
draggin’ at a slow pace and staggering along to “Green Line to U”. The
audience is being served a drunken punch of audio brew on “Green Line to
U”, so cheers everyone! Track six, “Sell It to the World”, provides a
unique delivery musically that will send your mind into a whirlwind as
you enter a warped reality. With lines like “Where is the mute?” AND
“Civilization going right down the drain”, the following installment
called “The Values” is an ear-opening experience and a direct wake up
call to society. “The Values” is constantly buzzing in your ears and
leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Track nine, “Now! Now!
Now!”, certainly gets your attention where Wellbeloved puts together a
really good instrumental piece that keeps you engaged from beginning to
end. Wellbeloved ends on a high note with “(I See)” where the listener
receives a soft touch musically but with very strong lyrics in place.
“(I See)” that Wellbeloved has a lot on his mind by the end of the album
and expresses it wonderfully.
I am eager to see & hear where Wellbeloved heads next because I feel
there are many twists & turns still to come. For now, enjoy ‘The Rusty’
that is against the grain and dares listeners to think outside the box
when it comes to music creation. The material on this record may be an
acquired taste for some but deserves a hearty listen and the utmost
respect. Wellbeloved shouldn’t be taken lightly because ‘The Rusty’ is
clambering its way into your speakers, headphones and ear canals one
distorted note at a time. JR