Album Review: Noah Gundersen “Ledges”

Hello, and happy Saturday! It has been quite some time since I’ve had the chance to sit down and actually concoct a Saturday blog post. The summer can do that, ya know? Early mornings to go to the pool, or beach…or just out in general. But today is a bit rainy, a bit gloomy…so what better time than now? Let’s jump right in!

 

Noah Gundersen. To simply say this Washington-native is talented would be a travesty of sorts. Okay, okay..maybe not THAT serious, but he is gifted beyond measure. His long awaited full-length album: “Ledges“, finally arrived in February 2014 and man, was it ever welcomed.

 

The 24-year old singer/songwriter shares history of his life with us, diving into vulnerable tales of love, heartache, death, and devotion, all immersed with a sense of familial intimacy. That shouldn’t surprise anyone, though. Gundersen’s sister Abby (her solo stuff is beeeeautiful as well) sings and plays strings, his brother provides drums, and various friends and relatives sing on the record. Besides, blood is thicker than water.

 

The album opens with “Poor Man’s Son” which is a slow and striving tune. After a few minutes it slowly transitions into what seems like a modified version of “Down to the River to Pray”. It was a one-take recording, and it carries that raw, intense, almost aggressive emotion with it, all while lingering on some beautiful harmonies. If you’re not sure what I mean by this, check out the live recording of this track:

 

Some of my favourite tracks on this album are:

 

Ledges:

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Poison Vine, First Defeat and Liberator.

 

I think there’s a pattern in the last three tracks, causing me to love them so (not to mention having them on repeat). They are incredibly emotional, (mind you, the whole album is) and it’s shown in the harmonious belting out of lyrics towards the end. One of my favourite elements of this album is the family participation. These last three tracks wouldn’t be what they are without Abby’s vocals and harmonies – they’re just simply beautiful.

 

I won’t really give any more away, because I really do want you all to take the time to listen to the whole album. Noah’s ability to write, sing with such vigor and passion, and create timeless, mature and heart-wrenching tracks is unsurpassable. I will continue to listen to the Ledges album, as well as play my favourite songs over and over again until I get fed up…which will be never. So, on we go….

 

P.s. Here’s the official music video for “Ledges” – directed by my good Nashville buddy Cale Glendening. (Nothing short of amazing.)