I began listening to Garry Murray's former band, LN some time ago and can only describe their last couple of albums as some of the most bare bones, heart on the sleeve, down and out tunes that I had ever heard.  The slow phrasing of the lyrics was almost painful to listen to but at the same time incredibly enjoyable.  I was hooked on this band and wanted more.  Then, just as I had discovered them, they were suddenly done making music.  Since I don't own all of their albums there was a comfort that there was still more music to discover.  Happily, I found out that Gary Murray would be releasing a solo project.  My enjoyment of his work could continue.

Gary's solo ep, titled The Revenant Waltz was released by LN's former label, Velvet Blue Music.  Jeff Cloud certainly has a knack for finding these "off the beaten path" artists who astound with their creativity.  The Revenant Waltz follows much of the same pattern as the last couple of LN albums in that it is ultra-down tempo and contemplative. 

According to dictionary.com the word revenant means a corpse who returned to life.  In fiction writings, this is usually meant to fulfill a special goal.  With that in mind, the first track, entitled "The Revenant Waltz", seems to cast many possibilities.  Gary is either lamenting over the fact that he is dead and can't hold his lady fair in his arms or he is lamenting the fact that she is dead.  Either way, it's pretty much one of the most depressing songs I've ever heard.  The next track, "Whiskey", lyrically fits in with most country songs due to its descriptions of someone finding their consolation in a drink of fire juice. 

The final two songs on the album follow suit, keeping the lament going all the way to the end.  "Queen of the Freight Train leaves me with a strange feeling as Gary sings "You leave your trail of dead men like cigarette burns on your arm.  But you live for no one.  Well get on your knees and live for me."  The album ends with "Goodbye, Eleanor Blue".  The last line pretty much sums up the general feeling of the disc.  "I'll leave you to dance in this unholy room alone."

I'm all for albums that cause contemplation and are depressing to the point that someone can identify with them but this disc seems to be just a bit to down for even my taste.  I can't find a real trace of hope in the darkness.  I realize that some people are in such a deep depression that they don't see a way out.  They would be able to identify with this disc quite well because there's no suggestion that there might be a way out or that the darkness will pass.  Musically, the disc is pretty typical LN fare but I prefer a little vanilla with my chocolate or a little light with the darkness.

Artist: Gary Murray
Album: The Renevant Waltz
Tracks: 5
Label: Velvet Blue Music