Sonny Falls - “Cemeteries”

Chicago-based Ryan “Hoagie” Wesley Ensley, aka Sonny Falls, is here with the indie rock triumph: “Cemeteries.”

This one begins with the persistent strumming of a semi-clean guitar, in all of its lo-fi glory. And before we’ve had time to discern whether it is acoustic or electric, Hoagie begins his delicate vocal delivery. His voice has been double-tracked, offering that distinct, sonic flavor that we so often crave in the music that rolls through our submissions.

Straight out of the gate, we are getting some Elliott Smith vibes a la Figure 8, though by no means a carbon copy. “Cemeteries” starts to pick up some passengers as it carries on, including a pulsating kick drum and bass that provide some momentum. A soft synth pads the arrangement, widening the sonic space and foreshowing the approaching lift.

“Cemeteries” comes complete with a crescendo that climaxes at around the track’s midpoint, when the production shifts to a great wall of sound. The minimal percussion becomes a fully fleshed drum beat and the layers of guitars are not shy with their use of fuzz. For the most part, the entire second half of the song is a celebration of sound, which will likely keep listeners returning for more.

-HD