Have you ever run into something totally unexpected?
No, not like that. I mean something good. Something completely out of nowhere. Something you didn’t see coming that caught you by surprise but that you found thoroughly pleasing.
No, not that either. Even if it was pretty damn enjoyable (albeit not THAT surprising for the viewer).
Really, I’m talking about stumbling across an album or an artist that you didn’t seek out. Maybe it dropped into your inbox or was recommended by a friend. Maybe you stumbled across a video online or saw an opener that blew the headliner off the stage.
Such was the case recently for me with Inland Years, whose latest album Nowadays was released on July 14.
Inland Years is the home recording project of Brooklyn-based musician Ryan Daniels and Nowadays is a lo-fi two-track gem. Daniels mixes indie folk with jangle pop and just enough early GBV fuzz. With 13 tracks over 15 minutes, not a moment is wasted. Daniels maximizes his time by focusing on life’s little moments over lo-fi music inspired by ‘60s guitar pop.
The album opens with the acoustic post-breakup jangle of “Around we go” (“I feel alright but not tonight / Round and round we go”). “A thousand miles” has a 2010s indie rock feel, with lyrics pointing to longing and a promise of connection (“A thousand miles, maybe more / ‘Til I’m outside knocking on your door”). On the 47-second “I know this more than anyone” I hear hints of Wild Pink, one of my favorite bands of recent years.
“Morning train” adds a bit of steel guitar to the mix on a song that turns a frequent New York occurrence – the broken-down subway – into a metaphor on choosing your next direction. “Cold” is indie folk with a chamber pop feel and continues the theme of time slipping away and choosing a path forward.
“Brand new” is the most daring track, with muted noise-rock guitar, distorted vocals, and lyrics that match the mood by dwelling on past mistakes. “Nothing left to say” closes the album with as its most overt jangle-pop number, with lyrics signaling acknowledgement of one’s past, if not yet acceptance.
I’m always intrigued when I’m introduced to a new artist, and I’m glad I finally came across Inland Years. Daniels is clearly a talent to watch and Nowadays gives a taste of his capabilities both as a musician and a songwriter.
If lo-fi ‘60s-inspired jangle-guitars are your thing, give Nowadays a chance. It might take you by surprise too. (Brian)
This was shared recently with me as well, and it's a gem! Anytime I see a buncha songs squished into less than 20 minutes, I worry we'll get something undercooked or a bunch of fragments...not this time!
Woah!!! Thank you 🙇