Guitar Dream

Unlike his previous solo LP, the eclectic and more explorative Broken Rope (2016), Merchandise guitarist David Vassalotti opts for a set of structured, melancholy song on his Wharf Cat Records follow-up, Guitar Dream. There's a distinctive Morrissey vibe in the air and some Marr influence as well, at least on some of the tracks on an album arranged mostly for a full band. Swirling synths and saxophone eventually join the light drums, wistful guitar, supporting keyboards, what sounds like bowed bass, and Vassalotti's raw croon on the midtempo opening track "This Extravagant Lie." Songs like "Manifest Destiny" and "Outlines" follow suit, offering angsty ruminations and pretty chord progressions. On the lusher, more uptempo side is the allegorical "In the Garden," and "The Other Light" is an effervescent post-punk instrumental, the only instrumental included here. Later, the more proto-punk-minded "Let It Burn" offers a change of pace without leaving the '80s U.K. atmosphere behind. The last 30 seconds of that track turn out to be the best representation of the noise experiments from Vassalotti's prior solo work. Guitar Dream ends with the uplifting "What Shall You Say Tonight," a sprawling, shimmering tune of the clap-along sort that's saved for encores and is among the album's more memorable songs. Its euphoric electronics, melodic bass, and driving bass drum close the track list on a figurative high note. Fans of Merchandise may be interested to know that the album was tracked in the basement of lead singer Carson Cox, who also contributed production and engineering to the record. ~ Marcy Donelson