B-Side Guys

In an era where digital landscapes often eclipse the natural world, Brandon Kerrigan’s Care Again project arrives like a gust of fresh air with “Sit Outside.” This 12-track, 40-minute journey, set for release on September 6, 2024, invites listeners to step away from their screens and immerse themselves in a sonic environment that’s equal parts whimsical and introspective.

Produced by Dylan Magierek (known for his work with STRFKR and My Morning Jacket) in Portland’s Badman Records studio, “Sit Outside” is a meticulously crafted album that weaves together disparate elements into a cohesive tapestry. Kerrigan’s foundation of spirited drums, warm piano, and expressive guitar chords serves as fertile soil from which sprout effervescent synths and warbled nature samples.

The album opens with “Stoic,” a track that immediately establishes the record’s modus operandi. Warped explosions and wind wands dance over whirring guitars and bombastic percussion, creating a soundscape that’s both familiar and alien. It’s a fitting introduction to an album that consistently blurs the lines between the organic and the synthetic.

As “Sit Outside” progresses, it becomes clear that this is more than a collection of disparate songs. Kerrigan has crafted a loose concept album that explores themes of love, youth, and our relationship with the natural world. The album’s flow tells a story, not through linear narrative, but through emotional progression and sonic evolution.

Tracks like “Allergies” and “Coo” showcase Kerrigan’s knack for marrying catchy melodies with unconventional production choices. The former, with its chorus comparing overwhelming affection to seasonal allergies, exemplifies Care Again’s ability to package complex emotions in easily digestible pop structures.

The influence of Animal Collective looms large over “Sit Outside,” particularly in tracks like “Understood” and “Slipping.” Kerrigan’s use of samples – from sped-up sirens to the sounds of everyday household objects – brings a DIY energy that complements the album’s more polished elements. This juxtaposition creates an engaging tension that keeps listeners hooked throughout the record’s runtime.

“Stay The Night” and “Concentrate” form the album’s emotional core, diving deeper into the themes of connection and self-discovery. Here, Kerrigan’s vocals shine, delivering Beach Boys-esque harmonies that float atop the psychedelic instrumentation. These tracks, in particular, embody Kerrigan’s stated goal of exploring “the balance between doing what makes you happy and what will move you forward.”

The back half of the album takes a more adventurous turn with “REM” and “Visions of a Hand.” These tracks push the boundaries of Care Again’s sound, incorporating more abstract structures and soundscapes. It’s here that the album’s connection to nature feels most palpable, with field recordings and organic textures taking center stage.

“Waiting on Them” and “Muddy Melancholy” bring the listener back to earth, grounding the cosmic journey in more traditional song structures. These penultimate tracks serve as a perfect bridge between the album’s more exploratory moments and its conclusion.

The record closes with “The End,” a fitting capstone that distills the essence of “Sit Outside” into a single track. It’s a moment of reflection, inviting listeners to contemplate the journey they’ve just experienced and, perhaps, inspiring them to step outside and engage with the world around them.

What sets “Sit Outside” apart is its unique sound palette. Kerrigan’s use of an upright piano from City College of San Francisco as the foundation for many tracks gives the album a warmth and sincerity that anchors even its most psychedelic moments. The decision to keep many of these original recordings in the final mix imbues the album with a sense of place and history.

The density of ideas throughout “Sit Outside” is impressive, offering listeners a rich sonic landscape to explore. Each composition is carefully crafted, balancing complexity with accessibility in a way that rewards repeated listens. The album’s commitment to its aesthetic creates a cohesive experience from start to finish.

“Sit Outside” stands as a testament to Kerrigan’s vision and Magierek’s production acumen. It’s an album that reveals new layers and details with each spin. The record’s ability to evoke the sensation of being in nature – from the dancing trees to the muddy melancholy – is its greatest strength.

In a musical landscape often dominated by digital precision, Care Again’s “Sit Outside” feels refreshingly human. It’s an album that celebrates imperfection and spontaneity, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its lush, psychedelic world. As summer fades into autumn, “Sit Outside” arrives as a perfect soundtrack for those lingering warm days and cool nights.

Brandon Kerrigan’s Care Again project has delivered a debut that’s both ambitious and accessible. “Sit Outside” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s an experience, a journey, and an invitation. In a world that often moves too fast, this album reminds us of the joy and insight that can come from simply sitting outside, looking up at the trees, and letting time pass by.