Atlanta-based artist Colin Bragg enjoyably defies stylistic norms on his new album Permission to Feel, which ventures from soaring guitar solos to spacey synth eeriness in its impressive tonal variety. Thematically, explorations of loss and pandemic anxiety linger alongside the compelling solo performances on guitar, electronics, and synths
Opening track “Chandra” immerses in its spacious, minimalist lushness — complemented steadily by beautifully lush acoustics, ruminating underneath. An effervescent swell begins to emerge in the second half, sending chills, and proving enjoyably representative of the tactful structural and tonal developments throughout Permission to Feel. The subsequent “Autophones” is also riveting, though embracing an entirely different spectrum in its electronic-minded briskness; trickling synths show ample momentum with flashes of ’80s nostalgia.
Another standout, “Yawp” is an especially dynamic production — ranging from eerie, space-set intrigue to blaring guitar excitement, conjuring a nocturnal rock stylishness. Permission to Fee is abundant in delectably atmospheric productions, ranging from the murky buzzing of “Found Object” to the trickling gorgeousness within “Autophones.” Bragg’s ability to construct soundscapes is strongly evident throughout.
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“Yawp” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Electronic.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
