Cold Commodities and Knowing Pains by Old Man Creaky Bones

Reaching the apex of musical potential contained within accessible synth tones, minimal acoustic guitar, and sparse digital percussion, Cold Commodities and Knowing Pains by Old Man Creaky Bones absolutely overflows with anti folk personality and an unexpectedly deep well of catchy vocal phrases. Scrappy yet lovable instrumentals keep the sonic space low and narrow, combining detuned strings and unsteady singing to constantly remind us of the individuality and authenticity of the album and its messages. In spite of this heavy personal fingerprinting, the album’s themes obliterate the ego, questioning human motives across the board from organized religious leaders to fellow folk singers, pointing out the undeniable personal gain which springs up around every corner on one’s journey to so-called authenticity. Though we know we’re entering an artist’s deeply personal space, relief washes over us as we sink into the comfort of an anti-selfish embrace, an unencumbered display of human spirit that restores our faith in a world of digital self-love.