Our current musical environment is one that exists precariously balanced on the cusp of over-saturation. The constant demand for new music has fostered the culture where we now have an extensive list of platforms all fighting for our attention, fueled by equal parts hyperbole and whatever buzzword is cool these days. Frankly, it can get exhausting at time, and then something like Roadhouse 01 comes along and reminds us why we do this in the first place. The details on Allan Rayman, the Toronto-based artist responsible for this new album, are light, but this purposeful mystery allows the music to speak for itself, and, on Roadhouse 01, it speaks volumes. The introspective production throughout allows Allan to explore his personal lyrics with a distinct vocal intimacy, and this is seen especially with album standouts “Sweetheart”, “Shelby Moves”, and the previously released “25.22”. Roadhouse 01 is a remarkably original collection, which is a breath of fresh air these days. Sure, there are slight allusions to others in the various genres that Allan flirts with, but we can guarantee you haven’t heard anything like this album before, so we implore you to listen to it while checking out our favorites from it below, or stream it all on Spotify now.
Allan Rayman