As we listen to ‘Whitecaps On The Hudson’, one thing is clear: this is a deeply inspired record, a nuanced slice of aural goodness guided by the notable artistry of American trailblazer Block. Originally released in 2013, the album gets a new lease of life thanks to a deal with Meridian (ECR Music Group), an agreement that will see Block remaster his old records with a fair amount of bonus material. That’s exactly where ‘Whitecaps On The Hudson’ lives: a space where we are able to rediscover all the nuanced offerings that made the New York City-based creative such a hauntingly interesting figure.
Steeped in indie and anti-folk goodness, ‘Whitecaps On The Hudson’ feels rather eclectic, with the soft and evocative instrumental tones geared towards supporting Blocks’ witty and quirky storytelling. From intimate singing to anthemic spoken words, the album is bound to surprise even the most apathetic listener out there. A touch of hidden nostalgia helps ‘Whitecaps On The Hudson’ reach deep into everyone’s soul, especially in terms of introspection and escapism.
Delving deeper into the circumstances around the album’s creation, Block explains: “I was relegated to the provinces at the time I made this record—commuting to the city on a ferry from Haverstraw, NY, a decrepit brick foundry town on the Hudson River. I watched the weather and seasons change. I got sober. My marriage ended, and I wrote these songs. Dean Sharenow and Erick Della Penna recorded it with me, live, in a handful of days. No loops or gimmicks, we kept it simple. It was a sad but also magical time.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Whitecaps On The Hudson’ on Spotify:
