Artist: Eric Selby Album: Dang Fool Released: 2023 Website: https://ericselby.com/ Eric Selby has been functioning in the Folk world, but to call him strictly a folk artist is misleading. This record feels more like indie college rock of the late 80's to me, with Folk / Americana leanings and modern production. It feels more influenced by Oasis or REM than a folk artist typically is. It is interesting, colorful and easy on the ears. His latest effort Dang Fool walks a tightrope between all the mentioned styles so nimbly that it's hard to narrow it down to just one genre. Track one, Different Hues is a wonderful cut that reminds me a bit of The Church, which was a great band from the 80's. I am not suggesting that this song feels dated at all. It just has a dreamy vibe that is reminiscent of Under The Milky Way or Reptile from their Starfish album. The lyrics in Different Hues are thought provoking, clever and delivered with patience and comfort. The reverb and delay drenched guitars add lots of color to the overall production creating a relaxing listen. Horseshoes and Hand Grenades is another standout track. It feels like a modern day Kinks song. The instrumentation on this one is layered so gracefully that it warrants a good headphone listen to isolate the many ingredients that make it all come together. It takes a turn near the end that flirts with country in the same way The Eagles did on some of their huge hits of the late 70's. It is an unexpected twist that works perfectly. My favorite song from the album is Tomorrow Never Knows. There is a hypnotic drone to the song that is intoxicating, painting a picture that is somehow three dimensional. It has the weirder side of The Beatles and the trippier side of The Doors. The vocal is up front in the mix, reminding me of how Pink Floyd approached production. It is more of a musical journey than a song. It is one of those pieces that has very little movement in it, but lots of emotion. It is the lack of movement that makes it hypnotic. Simply put, it's REALLY well done. What makes this record interesting is how Selby weaves so many diverse influences into one complete statement that sounds unique without sounding unfamiliar. The eight song album clocks in at just under 40 minutes and is chock full of textures and hooks. The vocals are relaxed and the arrangements are well laid out. It definitely has its own musical fingerprint that is identifiable and pleasing. The instruments are effortlessly woven together to serve the songs, creating a soundscape that is infectious and deep. I think fans of Coldplay or even The Cranberries may enjoy this album. But also fans of the classic songwriters of the 60's and 70's like Pete Townshend, Ray Davies and Gordon Lightfoot. To say the least, that is some pretty good company. I hope the record finds the listeners it deserves!