In his fifth album, troubled songwriter Brian Christinzio aka BC Camplight continues to explore a chaotic inner psyche marked by drugs and alcohol. Right from the opening track, the stage is set – I Only Drink When I’m Drunk. His personal struggles and internal conflicts produce beautiful contrasts, oscillating between sombre rhythmic patterns, nightmarish tones and the airy, crystal-clear vocals that seek to shine through the darkness. Back to Work is a fine example of this artistic syntax, depicting a feeling of optimism being dragged down by a sad, menacing and monotonous reality (a lifeless voice repeating “back to work” over and over). The aesthetic is somewhere in The Dandy Warhols and Tame Impala territory and the similarity with the latter is particularly striking on Shortly After Takeoff, with its 1980’s synthetic sounds accompanied by a high-pitched, airy voice. The album concludes the artist’s ‘Manchester Trilogy’ which is a reflection of both his life in the English city as well as his signing with the Bella Union label. Enjoy! © Yan Ceh/Qobuz