Massive Leaning by Layperson
Cassette available from Bud Tapes: https://budtapes.bandcamp.com/album/massive-leaning
"LAYPERSON SIFTS THROUGH THE WRECKAGE OF HEARTBREAK ON BRUISED YET TRIUMPHANT SECOND ALBUM ‘MASSIVE LEANING’"
-- Backseat Mafia
"Massive Leaning poetically captures the journey from grief to the surprising wonder that emerges from the void of loss... 'Black Pool' is a single that irresistibly invites listeners to sing along, and it’s effortlessly captivating, making one wish the song would play on endlessly."
-- c-heads
"'I Want To' layers on the sunny charm, driving forward with propulsive rhythms and bright instrumental tones. The chugging rhythm section and golden-hued guitar lines imbue the track with an ardent, openhearted sheen while Morris delivers an impressively catchy chorus, showing off a careful balance between easygoing melodies and insistent tempos."
-- Under The Radar
"Morris dresses his songwriting in several ornate layers encompassing classic folk rock, dream-y indie pop, and even soft rock to a degree...Once you’re on Layperson’s wavelength, the opening title track and 'Black Pool- feel like massive, undeniable pieces of indie rock."
-- Rosy Overdrive
Tracklist
| 1. | Massive Leaning | 4:44 |
| 2. | Bottom of the Bottom | 4:02 |
| 3. | Black Pool | 3:47 |
| 4. | Palatable | 4:37 |
| 5. | Soft | 2:46 |
| 6. | Beginner's Mind | 4:34 |
| 7. | I Want To | 3:20 |
| 8. | My Loneliness Rings Like A Bell | 3:14 |
| 9. | Flickering Shapes | 4:02 |
Credits
All songs written & recorded by Julian Morris
Julian Morris - Gutar, bass, vocals, synth, volca beats, modular synth, keys
Barra Brown - Drums on Massive Leaning, Bottom of the Bottom, & Palatable
Steven Skolnik - Drums on Black Pool, Beginner's Mind, I Want To, My Loneliness Rings Like a Bell, Flickering Shapes
Sam Wenc - Pedał Steel on Massive Leaning, Black Pool, Palatable (with synth). Flickering Shapes
Alex Fermanis - Pedal Steel on My Loneliness Rings Like a Bell
Tyler Neidermayer - Base Clarinet, Clarinet on I Want To
Drums recorded by Barra Brown on Massive Leaning, Bottom of the Bottom, & Palatable
Drums recorded by Kevin Christopher on Black Pool, Beginner's Mind, I Want To, My Loneliness Rings Like a Bell, Flickering Shapes
Mixed by Kevin Christopher at Heavy Meadow Sound.
Flickering Shapes Mixed by Raymond Richards at Red Rockets Glare
Mastered by Greg Cabli & Steve Fallone at Sterling Sound NJ
Album art and design by Miles Wintner
Julian would like to thank a number of individuals who made the creation of this album possible. Thank you to Kevin Christopher for countless hours back and forth mixing this record, your patience and kindness encouraged me to keep reaching for the right sound. Thank you to Sam Wenc, I can hear our decade of friendship in your parts and how you weave them into the songs. Thank you to Barra for taking on the first batch of drum overdubs. Thank you to Steve for taking on round two. Thank you to Jason, Skyler, and Elias and Steve for helping me workshop these songs live. Thank you to Raymond for getting “Flickering Shapes” to land just right. Thank you Dylan for helping me with the first round of mastering, and helping me sketch out the final version of this album. Thank you Tyler for making my clarinet dreams come true. Thank you Alex for adding your masterful pedal steel to “My Loneliness.” Thank you Miles for the beautiful visuals accompanying this album.
Thank you to the Zen Monastery Peace Center, and to the Heart of Wisdom and Great Vow Zen Centers. Thank you Ram Dass.
Thank you to Isabel Crosby for your years of friendship and partnership. Everything that’s gone now has a flickering shape.
Thank you to my parents for encouraging me to keep singing. Thank you to my sister for your fierce love and enduring care. Thank you to my brother for your gentle love and hugs. Thank you Ryan, Finn, River, and baby Genevive for being here with us. Thank you to Anna Stevens for always picking up my calls. Thank you Jesse Carsten for your wisdom as I parsed through this process. Thank you dear ones Sean, Megan, Natalie, Erin, Amelia, Russ and Anat for shepherding me through deep grief.
Thank you for listening to this record. I made it for me, but I made it for you too. In gratitude, Julian.
License
All rights reserved.
Julian Morris situates his music at contrasting intersections. It's a music that is at once emotionally urgent and yet brimming with graceful patience; tender and vulnerable while still forceful and resilient.