Album Review: Revolving Shores by Graffiti Welfare
Album Review: Revolving Shores by Graffiti Welfare
Written By: Dan Eachus
Graffiti Welfare’s debut album, “Revolving Shores,” takes listeners on a heady, heartfelt, solo acid trip through a mesmerizing soundscape. Rooted in Denver’s alternative psych-pop scene, Graffiti Welfare artfully captures the essence of coming-of-age in the 21st century, offering an introspective and experimental lens into the uncertainties of life’s journey. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of artists like Tame Impala, Floating Points, and Pink Floyd, the album embarks on an exploration of the unknown, confronting the fleeting nature of existence, and paying homage to lost loved ones.
As the opening notes weave their way into the listener’s consciousness, it becomes evident that “Revolving Shores” is not just a collection of songs but an intricately crafted narrative that pulls one into its depths. The album commences with a sonic introduction, almost like stepping into an alternate reality, where Graffiti Welfare beckons the audience to join him on this surreal voyage. Luminous reverb and ethereal vocals envelop the listener, transporting them into a psychedelic tapestry of sound, where reality becomes fluid, and time seems to lose its grip.
In the vast expanse of this musical odyssey, Graffiti Welfare delicately explores the complexities of the human experience. Through hazy melodies and dreamlike rhythms, he captures the anxiety and trepidation of entering adulthood, a pivotal moment when one stands on the threshold of change and self-discovery. The uncertainty of this transition is mirrored in the album’s shifting tones and moods, reflecting the ebb and flow of emotions that often accompany such profound transformations.
The heart of “Revolving Shores” lies in the poignant tribute paid to the artist’s departed grandparents. These heartfelt tributes manifest through haunting melodies and soul-stirring lyrics, allowing the audience to share in the profound emotions of love, loss, and remembrance. Graffiti Welfare’s ability to convey such intimate emotions through his music is a testament to his artistic prowess and emotional depth.
Within the album’s electronic music-inspired psychedelic acid trip, there is a pervading sense of disillusionment with the world around us. As the music takes unexpected turns and spirals into uncharted territories, one is reminded of the disillusionment many feel in a rapidly changing and complex world. Graffiti Welfare doesn’t shy away from delving into the darker corners of the psyche, mirroring the collective anxieties and fears that haunt modern society.
Yet, amidst the uncertainty and disillusionment, “Revolving Shores” finds moments of resplendent beauty and joy. The cyclicality of life becomes evident through recurring motifs and themes that circle back like the rising and falling tides. This cyclicality is a reminder that, despite the challenges, life continues in an ever-revolving loop, offering new opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
The album’s cathartic quality shines through in its crescendos and climaxes, where Graffiti Welfare releases a surge of emotions that ripple through the listener’s soul. The music seems to beckon listeners to embrace their own vulnerabilities, encouraging them to find solace in the emotional release that music can provide. In this catharsis, the artist connects on a profound level with his audience, forging a bond that goes beyond mere listening.
Throughout the album, Graffiti Welfare exhibits an impeccable command of his chosen musical medium. His sonic palette draws from a diverse range of influences, deftly blending elements of alt psych-pop, electronica, and Pink Floyd-esque progressive rock. This fusion of styles creates a genre-defying experience, where the boundaries between different musical realms dissolve, leaving the listener in a state of awe and wonder.
The standout track to me is Volume with its accompanying music video. This takes you on a nostalgic journey of decade past with a focus on the Retro-Futurism so popular in today’s pop culture, and especially favorite of this writer and reviewer.
Here is that video:
“Revolving Shores” is an immersive journey, an exploration of the human soul through a kaleidoscope of sound and emotion. Graffiti Welfare’s artistic vision shines brightly in this album, showcasing a level of maturity and introspection that belies his status as a debut artist. The sheer ambition and execution of this work demonstrate the potential for greatness that lies ahead for this Denver-based musician.
In conclusion, “Revolving Shores” is a testament to the power of music as a medium for profound introspection and emotional expression. Graffiti Welfare’s ability to create a heady, heartfelt, solo acid trip through his experimental and introspective approach is a true achievement. This album invites listeners to embark on an immersive sonic journey, where uncertainty, nostalgia, disillusionment, and catharsis converge into a transformative experience. As the album fades into the distance, one cannot help but feel changed, as though the music has left an indelible mark on the very fabric of their being. “Revolving Shores” is a timeless exploration of the human condition that firmly establishes Graffiti Welfare as an artist to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of music.
Dan Eachus is the President and owner of RetroSynth Lazersteel Records, with his own musical projects in the band Neutron Dreams and his solo project DMME.
