Philadelphia-born and now Long Beach, CA-based, Andrew Huston channels the experience of starting over in unfamiliar surroundings on SWAY, his next full-length release, out on November 13th. Recorded with producer Stephen Cunningham at Dream Machine Studio, the album pairs Huston’s jangling indie-rock sensibilities with reflections on isolation, changing relationships, and the search for clarity, with both musicians handling the instrumentation across the collection.
Twangy, hypnotic guitars open the album as “Eggshells” compels, where a vocal plea — “I don’t wanna walk on eggshells, anymore” — melds beautifully with the steady guitar jangling and rhythmic backing. Soaring vocal layers are particularly resonating across the production’s second half, culminating in a final determination to “never walk on eggshells anymore,” emitting a jangle-pop anthem of living life more boldly. Ensuing track “Like Halloween” struts a chugging alt-rock fierceness, as the vocals wonder “why can’t everyday just be like Halloween? Put on your mask and we’ll all feel the same.” Carpe-diem sentiments enamor during the chorus, jovial and exuding a sense of unity as sturdy guitars and twinkling keys intertwine.
While the album’s first two tracks thematically present a sense of self-betterment, striving to avoid walking on eggshells and live every day like it may be your last, “Never Want To” excels with a more melancholic charm. Chilly synths and prancing guitar tones accompany a tale of a relationship’s demise, its “now you turn to stone” narration and insistence on “being fine in passing” poignantly reflecting the end. Aptly arriving next, “Ocean Drive (Till I See)” feels fit for long drives and deep contemplation, here set on the California coast as balmy guitar jangles and free-flowing vocal prowess bolster the “Ocean Drive, by the sea” soundscape, where there appears a beckoning for the ocean waves to wash away past tumult and bring forth new clarity.
Beach-set imagery and a striving to “take a break” also enamor on “California Rain,” an enthused rocker with jangling heart and a perseverant “I know you’ll live through the night” vocal allure. The track’s shifts from acoustic-laden “barefoot on the sands” vulnerabilities and more impassioned rock spirit compel throughout. Elsewhere, penultimate gem “Minnesota Snow” infuses Emma Stotts’ lush guest vocals amidst an introspective mixture of acoustics and twanging guitars. “Meet me down at the sugar shack,” the delightful duet vocals tempt, its nature-laden imagery of northern stars and snowy paths and title-bearing refrain playing with refreshing appeal, like how a change of environment — into crisp air — can prompt much needed reflection.
Album finale “Sway” concludes with a powerful thematic summation of the release, which traces a path of self-discovery through sunny drives and wintry walks alike. “Set your roots deep, and bend not break, life’s hard to please,” the vocals ruminate, capturing the tribulations of weathering storms, both internal and external. The metaphorical comparison to swaying trees, moving with the breeze despite their deep roots, is poetically affecting alongside another melodic production. Full of lyrical insight and excellent songwriting, SWAY is a thorough full-length success from Andrew Huston.
