The keen reader will gladly remember New York-based troubadour Art Schop by a feature we published last summer, praising ‘The Fifth Hammer’ as “a long and reflective album, vivid and relatable”. It turns out that’s become a bit of a habit for Schop. Writing conceptual albums rooted in philosophy and an overarching theme is certainly something he’s very comfortable with. ‘Wittgenstein & the Transcendental’ provides further evidence of that, a record rooted in philosophy and unconventional imagery.
Beyond its lyrical implications, which we’ll examine in more depth in a second, ‘Wittgenstein & the Transcendental’ also shines for Art Schop’s crepuscular, intimate singer-songwriter style. Championing alt-folk goodness with an evocative rock twist, the American artist creates a wholesome aural panorama for his own lyrics, which greatly enhances the album’s wider outlook.
As mentioned, ‘Wittgenstein & the Transcendental’ is a strong thematic record. In true Art Schop fashion, the album tackles philosophy and history with playful, quirky flair, delving deeper into the intricate life story of Austro-British philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. As we are told: “It tells the story of the life and work of this iconoclastic figure in dark, timeless rock. Ludwig Wittgenstein didn’t fit: He was an engineer who wandered into philosophy and turned the world of ideas on its head.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Wittgenstein & the Transcendental’ now: