Track listing: Thief In The Crowd, The Waiting, Tear Apart This Town, Don't Curse Your Branches
I first ran across San Luis Obispo-based Chris Beland in our review of Santa Barbara Records' CaliAmericana Vol. 2 (A Compilation Inspired by the Legacy of Kenny Loggins). His cover of "Return to Pooh" opens the record and his original "Hotel Song" appears, as well. What struck me at that time is Beland's authentic vocal sound, the attention paid to each guitar tone, the attentiveness to things like placing the drums just perfectly in the mix--present but appropriately 'foundational' to the song structure. He's got a keen ear, to be sure.
Fast-forward a bit to August 1, 2024, and Chris will be releasing his first EP through the Santa Barbara imprint (I guess they were impressed by him, as well). And so on August 1st we'll see the release of the 4-song EP entitled The Waiting.
"I think music is therapy for me. Writing songs helps my own heart," he says. "A lot of my songs are just kind of autobiographical. I don't use a lot of like metaphors; I end up speaking straight from my own experience."
Lyrically touching and musically mature and focused, The Waiting is a collection of powerful and emotional stories. It reminds me a lot of a now-defunct group from Austin, Texas called Rainravens (look them up, you'll thank me later). Beland's melodies are at once somber and hopeful. Plaintive and gorgeous. Three mid-tempo numbers with the title track slowing things down a bit.
Similar to his CaliAmericana tracks, there's an impressive level of care taken with each note, each transition, bridge, chorus. Beland doesn't waste moments in his music, running through a progression or repeating a chorus unnecessarily. Each moment has its purpose. With a history including playing music at his own father's passing and performing in hospice settings, Beland takes his craft seriously. We don't have time to mince words.
Explore Chris' music for yourself. Follow his socials, stream his discography, and stay tuned to the moment that the waiting for The Waiting comes to an end. This and more at chrisbelandmusic.com.