Mike Pope - Ripening (Ain't It Strange) - Vinyl

Ripening is the antithesis of Songs For People. Like Dylan going electric in ‘65, Mike Pope embraces a grittier poetic punk vision reminiscent of Joe Strummer's solo excursions. While it holds the vocal delivery, lyrical craftsmanship and musicianship of his folkier side, Ripening turns electric and embraces a post punk, no-wave ethos. Think ‘77 Talking Heads and Stephen Malkemus, mixed with a touch of Mdou Moctar psychedelia. The album was tracked live as a single performance and the band is exquisite in its pursuit of raw grandeur. Every song serpentines into the next, devouring the energy of the prior track and transforming it with the imagery of Pope’s storytelling. Ripening is a noble and successful pursuit that exemplifies the fiery range Mike Pope is able to achieve with amplification and a raucous band firing on all cylinders.

Album Artwork: Will Gaynor