Reflectivore is from Duluth Minnesota. Formed by Allen Cragin and Ryan Rusch and recorded at Rusch’s The Weight Room (studio) in Washburn Wisconsin. Longtime friends that have been writing music together and had the focus intensify towards Reflectivore after Allen’s wife passed away last year. Reflectivore worked very recently with True Norse Films on a short to accompany the song “Red Looking Glass” from the album. This latest 6 song EP is entitled ”Reflectivore.”
Band members: Ryan Rusch (Piano, Vocals, Organ, Vibe) and Allen Cragin (Guitar, Vocals Bass)
This simple, brilliant, unique self-title arrangement tells me a lot about the band. It’s clear to me they have surpassed what many consider the a-typical rock release in 2015. From the beginning track “Ticonderoga” to through to Track 6: “Black Holy” this CD delivers on all fronts and quite frankly BLEW ME AWAY. Although on “Reflectivore” there’s here that hasn’t already been done before, but it’s amazing nonetheless. This is good alternative rock that delivers 6 mind blowing songs that will keep you mesmerized with quirky messages, music that is slightly adrenalized, and a vibe that is unmistakably Reflectivore. These 3 combine many impressive musical styles like vintage classic retro rock, retro alt-rock even prog-rock to traditional singer/songwriter rock. Now that’s a pretty whacked out yet impressive list. Some of the pieces on “Reflectivore” I really like are as follows: “Organ Grinder”, “March” and the epic closer “Black Holy“. A few tracks even expand the possibilities of a radio hit in the making. What’s more: the musicianship of this 2 man operation delivers! The production value pulls out all the stops with a wide ray of instrumentation. Looks like they did most of the production work themselves. The music of Reflectivore will also remind you of O.A.R, Dispatch, The Cinematics, The Drums, Bombay Bicycle Club and at times Queens of the Stone Age. On the other end of the sonic spectrum I can also hear: Grizzly Bear, Porcupine Tree and Philip Selway. Like I had mentioned the production value is also top notch and the vocal front of Cragin really gets its point across and goes beyond traditional pigeonholing by music critics like myself. HE really lets it all hang out and pretty good bassists and guitarist. He delivers a gifted vocal ability as he glides with precision through all pieces (guitar/vocals) with amazing harmonies and a captivating vocal timbre.
In close much of the Reflectivore EP goes beyond just good playing and world class songwriting. Lyrics are also an important factor for me when listening to a band or artist. In this aspect I found these songs most intriguing as they paint you an impressive visual between the spoken word and messages of hope, love, mystery and the love of life itself.
Rating 4/5 Stars
VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/tag:reflectivore
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reflectivore/156843831064252
Joshua Rice
