by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
For the past decade Samuel Rich has been playing varying styles of noisy rock from groovy post-punk to psychedelic noise rock, both with Brooklyn’s Miniboone and then with Portland, ME’s Bully Mammoth. With his first solo album as S. Rich, he’s offering a change of pace and a wealth of atmosphere. Trading in his trusty bass for an organ, his solo debut (fittingly titled) Organ Versions, is due out April 21st. The record feels a bit like isolation, with sparse arrangements working with space to create mood. Rich is joined by friends old and new, including Julian Fader (Ava Luna), Max Goransson (Quiet Loudly), Nerio Olmedillo, and more. On the record’s lead single we find Rich teaming together with Candace Clement (Bunny’s A Swine, Psychic Energy).
“Headfirst Bones” is first and foremost very much “an organ song” and Rich makes sure to establish that right away. Warbling in big organ glory, the simple three note melody sets the tone for the skeletal composition. Rich’s vocals are deep and gentle, reminiscent of Calvin Johnson. The Beat Happening essence of the song is only further propelled by Clement’s sweet vocals, a welcome harmony that works as well for S. Rich as it did for the Olympia pioneers. While the song keeps an extreme minimalism, it offers a focus on their voices, which come together beautifully to remind us all “I’ve known you at your worst, it’s nothing new”.