Release Date: April 20th 2023. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
Foliage: Tracklisting
I Hope It's Black
Cold
Like A Storm
Sea Of Green
On YOur Own
Nocturnal Vision
When I Call Your Name
To Feel Alright
Review
The voice of Monolord, Thomas V Jäger returns with his second solo album Foliage and almost three years after his celebrated debut. The album follows the same creative path as that album with Thomas playing a style of Acoustic Doom, Folk Rock and Blues Rock with subtle hints of Stoner or Weedian themes heard within both the music and lyrics that Thomas has written for this album.
The vocals are more emotional and organic for this record compared to Thomas's work for Monolord. It's great to see Thomas adding eerie Psychedelic Sounds throughout the album and playing a wonderful sideline in Acoustic Doomed Out Rock with subtle Classic Rock influences. There are some beautiful and emotionally heavy parts of this album where Thomas does bare out his soul early on the record on such songs as I Hope It's Black, Cold and Like A Storm.
There's guest appearances from musicians such as Ryan Gut (STONER and Brant Bjork), Hasse Nyman, Isa Jäger Berglund, Ryan Lee and Esben Willems (Monolord) who all make this album a richer experience whenever they appear. Though, it's Thomas’s wonderfully diverse creative talents that make this album truly work. Even when the heavy WEEDIAN sounds move from semi-acoustic to full on Electric Rock.
The songwriting is immense and some songs do have that classic MONOLORD energy within the background when the heavier moments appear. Foliage is mostly laid-back with a sweet-natured attitude but expect some catchy bouts of Hard Rock heaviness which gives this album a more atmospheric nature you wouldn't expect.
Standout tracks include: Like A Storm, Sea Of Green, On Your Own and To Feel Alright.
Foliage is a super-fresh and down to earth release from a wonderfully gifted musician, singer and songwriter who I hope releases more groovy and interesting solo albums as this more often. Though, Thomas's time with Monolord may hamper these wishes but Foliage is an excellent album that oozes class from start to finish.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
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