Yesterday saw the release of a brand new album from Reno’s prolific singer/songwriter, Spencer Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick has released a ton of music, going as far back as 2010 per his Bandcamp page. Having started covering Reno’s music scene this past January, I’m more familiar with his upbeat and energetic sound with The Sand Gators. So, hearing these striped down, lo-fi recordings is something new for me. The record reminded me of the raw, bedroom recordings I would listen to from early Woodsist and the plethora of now defunct Brooklyn labels that released music like this on cassettes circa 2007-2010.
The album opens with an instrumental, Kilpatrick’s bluesy guitar serenading over a simple drum machine track. The second track Migraine leads in with more guitar but Kilpatrick’s signature vocals are worked in to what is a fantastically written song. The album features Rachel McElhiney who’s saxophone features on multiple tracks throughout the album with a band backing the track Rach’s Blues featuring the talents of Jimi and Dani Kilpatrick. A poem written by Kilpatrick also features, where his guitar playing adds so much depth and character to words being spoken.
Recorded on cassette and written quickly without a second thought, it’s a raw album but one masterfully created and one of the year’s best. “Dog Run” can be found here.
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