Gavin Preller – There is Wonder
Gavin Preller, a solo folk singer-songwriter, debuted with the spectacular There is Wonder on May 21st, 2021. While it may be lacking fresh ideas, its genuine delivery and marvellous atmosphere carry it high.
Gavin Preller’s voice is spectacular and is easily the greatest draw of the album. Preller’s disjointed voice smoothly glides over the instrumentals in the same manner Sufjan Steven does, with a hint of fragility and a miraculous range of deliveries. Like other pronounced male singers of the past decade, such as Justin Vermon, his voice is instantly recognisable. The delivery is consistently smooth, heartfelt, and expressive. Unfortunately, the songwriting is not as bold, and in some cases, it’s severely lacking in the innovation department. Towards the end of the album, ideas begin to repeat themselves, though thankfully the dynamic shift in tonality throughout the record is sufficient variation.
As for the songs themselves, there are plenty of highlights. Kathy and Narrow are both easily standouts due to their incredible atmosphere and heartfelt deliveries. No Warden gently encapsulates the listener within its sincere, pleasing ambience via a warm, fuzzy electronic guitar. The smooth timbre of the piano makes even the repetition enjoyable on tracks such as on 111, Still Here and 337. The guitar plucking is also phenomenal, especially during You Can Always Go, though sadly this track ends just as it begins. For some, the majority of tracks being drenched in reverb may be a turn off, though one could argue it enhances the atmosphere. The biggest complaint one could give There is Wonder, though, is the generally decline in quality towards the end. These songs feel less inspired and are filler to the brilliant preceding tracks. The album would have come at a higher recommendation with the absence of fluff.
Preller should take note from Kyle John Kenowski and take more risks in the composition department by fusing more synthetic material into his work, and progressing his melodies further. While it may be lacking in innovation, it exceeds in gentility and expression. The framework is exceptional, yet limited; though if Cat Power can still impress me with every release despite changing the formula, perhaps Preller can. I look forward to his next release, nonetheless.
Really Good
Listen to it here:
Gavin Preller – There is Wonder
