Consuming in its character-driven themes and sturdy Americana aesthetic, Community Theatre is the new album from Peter Donovan. Arising after his survival of a brain hemorrhage, and an ensuing transformed career perspective, Community Theatre compels in its vivid storytelling and melodic production. Recorded as the final project at Seattle’s Strange Earth Studios, the release features a variety of successes. Tracks like the bluesy “Frankie’s” and string-laden “Lorelei” anchor a world of lost souls, last calls, and second chances.
The opening title track exudes a show-like setting in its initial crowd-chatting ambience and ensuing vocal declaration: “It’s time for last cigarette before we start the show about old Juliet and Romeo.” Mellow keys accompany the tender vocal introspection, imploring not to “adjust your TV sets or radios,” while vowing for a rendition that’s never quite been witnessed before. Twangy guitars build with further momentum as the “dim the lights,” vocal arrives into a rousing second half, where soaring guitars infuse artfully within moments of lush intrigue and ardent Americana vigor.
A theatrical, riveting appeal continues to shine throughout — right away with the ensuing “Frankie’s,” where down-on-your-luck depictions arrive into a title-referencing place of comfort; a bluesy, throwback feeling emanates with warming immersion. Another highlight arises with “Everything in Between,” where a hazy Americana guitar styling and vocal duet combine with resonating effect. Elsewhere, a beautiful array of stately piano and string-laden balladry stirs on “Lorelei,” reminding fondly of Beulah, and gripping in its depictions of a runaway bride who opts for dive-bar whiskey pours over wedding vows. Full of narrative richness and melodic Americana songwriting, Community Theatre is a thorough success from Peter Donovan.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
