ZapTown

Ryan States
Strange Town
Drooling Class Records
Rating: 3 out of 5

Link: http://www.ryan-states.com/

Strange Town is filled with studio spectacular. Vocal layers, studio layers, this is an album meant to be listened to. The unique quality here that separates Ryan States from the herd is that this album was written and recorded on a circus train, where he works. And when you realize that you can begin to let your imagination run wild. You close your eyes and hear the sound of the train whistle in the distance. And the sound of birds swirl around your ears as he sings “Under the River,” an example to the redemption States strives for.

Strange Town pairs spirit and place and is our modern day Lucretius traveling the countryside trying to figure out the universe. “I Will Find My Way” is a post-gospel realization, serving as an autobiography while “Planet Earth” is a hope for the future.

Sometimes Ryan States sounds like a stranger to himself. There are times when he feels like he forces out the tune. But then there is “I’ll Give You (What You Want)” where States is in control and stretches out his vocal capabilities without sacrificing a note, making this the true highlight to the album.

This is an album about a guy trying to make it and creating normalcy in an environment that is nothing but ordinary.