John Calvin Abney – Shortwaving

A year or so ago, I saw Lizzie No perform at Pappy and Harriet’s, and she was incredible, as expected, but her band was especially a delight – Nelson Williams on standup bass and John Calvin Abney shredding the guitar, adding so much depth and heart to Lizzie’s wonderful folk magic. I’ve since familiarized myself with many of Abney’s more ambient releases, so when he alerted me to something “raw and dust heavy on the tape machine,” I expected more atmospheric ambience, but to my delight, the EP Shortwaving is full band cosmic indie folk rock (and I’m guessing much of the full band was Abney himself, multi-instrumental talent he is).

The title track kicks off the album with John’s contemplative voice backed by high lonesome slide guitar; “Arkansas River Bridge” is wistful with the soft whine of pedal steel. The more discordant “No Place Left” reminds me of Strangers Almanac-era Whiskeytown, when it comes to the grit, the melancholy, the shimmer. “Supporting Actor” is the EP’s sole instrumental track, ruminant guitar picking with elemental, foggy sounds echoing the feeling of the sound of distant trains through a southern window. The final track “Truckee River Blues” is an epic conclusion with a cinematic drum track leading the listener out, Abney’s lyrics “I am tired, so are you” ringing all too true. All sad bastards, listen up. JCA’s served up a shining EP here.

Get Shortwaving on Bandcamp now.