After a 19-year self-imposed hiatus, Southern California indie singer-songwriter Brendan Ranney is striking while the iron is hot with his debut solo album, Slightly Out of Focus. Having cut his teeth in the mid-90s indie scene, Ranney walked away from music to navigate the rat race of life. But when he stumbled upon a box of lost poetry written by his late father, the creative spark was reignited. Combining melodic, noise-tinted guitars with layered vocals, Ranney crafts a deeply mood-driven soundscape that channels the raw emotional weight of Elliott Smith, Pedro the Lion, and Sonic Youth.
The record hits the ground running with the opener, “My Existence (No Not Today).” Anchored by steady, thumping drums and shimmery, chiming folksy guitars, the track showcases Ranney’s hazy, deep, and husky vocals right out of the gate. It immediately wraps you in a blanket of bittersweet reflection, establishing a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly authentic.
By the middle of the album, “I Don’t Want To Go” shifts into darker territory. Warm, thick horn melodies waft through the background while the music broods over slow, heavy drumbeats. Ranney’s delivery turns wailing and raw, laying his heart on his sleeve as the song swells. Finishing on a high note, the closer “Sail Away” lightens the load with a catchy, upbeat rhythm and light, relaxing melodies floating over heavy thumps.
Ranney effortlessly trails his voice across the soundscape, bringing his journey full circle. All in all, Slightly Out of Focus hits a home run, proving it is never too late to step back into the spotlight.
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Review by: Naomi Joan