Chicago-based artist Che Arthur shows an impassioned rock sound on new album For That Which Now Lies Fallow, his fourth solo album, and first since 2010’s Like Revenge. Personal themes of struggle — in regard to isolation, heartbreak, health, and beyond — complement a sturdy rock vigor. Arthur is also known for his work as a member in post-hardcore groups Pink Avalanche and Atombombpocketknife, in addition to his electronic projects Ha Subliminal and the previously featured Professor Downfall.
“The Lost Champion” opens with an invigorating onslaught of guitars and punk-friendly vocals; the intensity is palpable, and enjoyably infectious. “No matter where the passion,” the vocals escalate during a frenzied array of guitars and percussion, fully rousing. Beyond the somber folk introspection of memorable finale “The Heart Follows,” the album compels with a consistently rock-forward sound — ranging from the gritty distortion of “When the World Comes Down” to the grungy vigor of “The Sliver.”
“No Harbor” is also indicative of Arthur’s gripping songwriting. Its lyrics stir in its perspective of aging, particularly in an industry like music where youth and newness are celebrated. The “ghost like you,” reference echoes a silhouette-like feeling, as one tries to grasp their present place in an industry and artistic passion, as time continues to flow quickly by. For That Which Now Lies Fallow is a captivating album from Che Arthur.
“I’ve learned that one of the few things i can do to help keep myself above water mentally is to leave my house and play my songs in front of people,” Arthur says. “That’s the reason I wrote this album – so that i could get some of those thoughts and feelings out of myself and use the tools i have, which are the guitar and my voice, to communicate them to people.”
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“The Lost Champion” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
