The One AM Radio – This Too Will Pass

Anyone who tries to classify The One AM Radio in one word will fail. The closest anyone has come is “folktronica” but that word makes me want to stab a pencil in my eye. The One AM Radio (aka Hrishikesh Hirway) creates hauntingly intimate, complex but still subtle songs that you have to listen to at least five times to fully appreciate. It’s music to listen to when you’re alone, or feeling alone and teaches you something about the difference between the two.

Actual music description (inadequate by definition): layered vocals, guitar (both electric and acoustic), strings, brass (always muted), and electronic sounds everywhere. Touches of everything from the Junior Boys to The Robot Ate Me. For example, he claims Portishead, Neutral Milk Hotel and Prefuse 73 as influences. His voice is filled with melancholy and distance, yet still manages to be accessible, almost conversational.

There’s no typical song on the album, I can only present a case-study. “You Can Still Run” features a strong acoustic guitar, drum beat, and a simple vocal line, but the song is built over a repetitive electronic tune that continues throughout the track. You barely notice it at first, then realize that it’s the foundation for everything else. He sings, “there’s still blood in your veins and a history in scars. It’s three miles to the state line but you can still run that far.”

This Too Will Pass is his third full-length release. It’s out Feb. 20 on Dangerbird Records.

The One AM Radio is kicking off a tour that seems to make it to every place that isnât here. See the complete list on his Myspace page.

Myspace: The One AM Rado
MP3: The One AM Radio – In The Time We’ve Got

* This review is brought to you by MoB guest writer, Travis who’s helped us out before and who we always welcome to contribute in any way he’d like. If you have records or concerts you’d like to review please get in contact with me.