Tiny reviews: CDs by Sunrunner + Max Garcia Conover

Short and sweet

By SAM PFEIFLE | October 12, 2011

Sunrunner, Eyes of the Master

Sunrunner announce their entry into Portland's progressive scene with the full-length Eyes of the Master, a mix of heavy guitar riffage and pretty and jazzy acoustic noodling on everything from acoustic guitar to vibraphone to viola and flute, played by the four main members and a lot of studio helpers. It's an album that jumps around from genre to genre a bit, but maintains a clear vision (into which you get more insight with an extensive album booklet and original artwork to accompany each song), and plenty of new-agey and high-minded imagery. It's a challenging record, but should offer plenty of grist for people who really like to listen.

Released at the Empire | with the Baltic Sea + Confusatron, Oct. 13 | sunrunnermusic.bandcamp.com

Max Garcia Conover, EP #1

Man, this is some gorgeous stuff. Conover is a hell of a fingerstyle guitar player and has an arresting vocal style, with a ton of presence. As a five-song introduction to a new player on the singer-songwriter scene, this is a very nice effort, completely naked and stripped down. Just Conover and his guitar, there's usually enough to hang on to, with interesting lyrics and some stories you want to know a little more about. This is definitely someone to watch and pay attention to.

Released at One Longfellow Square | with David Berkeley | Oct 13 | maxgarciaconover.com

Topics: CD Reviews , Sunrunner, Sunrunner, Max Garcia Conover, More

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