Sanders Bohlke’s sound is very similar to Ray LaMontagne, with a bit of Alexi Murdoch. His music is acoustic guitar singer-songwriter fare, his poetic lyrics tinged with bittersweet memories and hope for the future. And his voice has a strong range capable of reaching a falsetto pitch that Justin Timberlake would envy.
The album opens with “Rockets”, which showcases the high end of Sanders’ voice and sets the acoustic tone for the rest of the album.
“Lovesick Misery” is the real draw of the album. It could easily be mistaken for a song from Ray LaMontagne’s Trouble, and I mean that as a great compliment. Clear and sincere vocals sing heartfelt lyrics over a simple, pretty guitar strummed tune.
“Til My Days Are Through” is another poetic and plaintive beauty, this time a little more melancholy. “Take Your Leaving Slow” is a soulful acoustic breakup song that features mournful harmonica and a reference to Etta James.
“Bring Your Weary Soul To The Altar” has a slightly harder, more bluesy gospel sound. “Caroline” has a raw sound to it, as if it were recorded live on stage at some small venue. The deeper end of Sanders voice is more apparent here. “Where I Belong” blends violin with its acoustic guitar beneath Sanders captivating voice.
“Your Heart Must Be Weary” and “O Hallelujah” call to mind Alexi Murdoch’s honey voiced songs of comfort, faith, and hope. “O Hallelujah” takes the album out on a high note, featuring a full choir of backing vocalists.
I hate to keep comparing Sanders to Ray LaMontagne, but it’s difficult to avoid. It’s not that he sounds exactly like Ray, it’s just that there is a similar quiet, soulful dignity to his voice and music. I hope the comparisons are an incentive for all of you to get the album. It is truly a beautiful album, one that words cannot do justice.
Sanders Bohlke – Lovesick Misery (mp3 expired)
More mp3s from the album are available here.
Buy Sanders Bohlke Music @ Amazon
Sanders Bohlke Official Site
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2 Responses to “Sanders Bohlke”
It was Heather from I Am Fuel, that introduced me to Sanders. Jolly good stuff.
The Duke
[...] his old songs available as free legal downloads. I gave his self-titled debut album a rave review four years ago, and I hope these developments mean he’ll have a new album [...]