Search - Aaron Sprinkle :: Moontraveler

An Incredible Album

Jason L Merritt | Lufkin, Texas United States | 08/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having been a lover of all things Poor Old Lu, I did not expect to be disappointed when I bought Aaron Sprinkle's first solo album, Moontraveller, and truly I was not. The former POL guitarist made a distinct departure from the early-90's alternative sound of his old band and forged an album that is full of songs that speak to the more sensitive side of humanity. Finding his foundation in rootsy acoustic folk tinged with modern rock tinges, the music sounds like early Bob Dylan meets the Choir. Lyrically, the songs find their own unique form of expression by communicating a sense of deep and meloncholy longing. The opening "Solace" speaks of lost relationship with God, and the yearning and confusion that follow. "Mae," "A Friend I Had," and "What Sorry Could Be," continue in the vein of moody longing, while the closers, "A Step Ahead," and "Motor Cars," bring the hope to the album, reminding us that God pursues and brings us home. The music is tightly crafted and the songs deftly written and I just can't seem to keep this gem of a cd out of my cd player. It's a shame that this album won't get more exposure, but I would recommend it to anyone."

A Great Album!!!

Jason L Merritt | 08/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was a huge fan of both Poor Old Lu and Rose Blossom Punch, two bands Aaron Sprinkle used to be a member of. Both bands showcased his excellent, restrained guitar work, and his obvious knack for songwriting. And while I was sad to hear that RBP called it quits, I couldn't wait to hear Aaron's solo album. I had to bend over backwards to find it, but I've got it and I just want to say: so far, this is definitely one of the year's best albums!! The songs definitely fit the title, as each one feels pulled around the gravity of simple, catchy acoustic guitar work from Aaron. And as "one-note" as a mostly acoustic album can sound, this one defies the trend with unique arrangements and soundscapes. There's the straight-ahead "Solace," vaguely reminiscent of early POL, the near-techno "Antennae's Wife," the painful "A Friend I Had," "Mae," a retro-spacey song that reminds me of RBP, and the totally catchy, euphonium(?)-fronted "A Step Ahead," not to mention five great others. It's sad to think that this CD will probably never get the attention it deserves, especially from the mainstream market. If Aaron were supported by greater distribution, I imagine this record would be topping year-end lists everywhere. It's a trippy, alternafolk album that manages to sound totally original, and I recommend it to anyone that appreciates thoughtful, well-crafted music."

Perfect.

Jason L Merritt | 08/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A former member of now-defunct bands Poor Old Lu and Rose Blossom Punch, this is Aaron's first solo album. With artful arrangements and honest, introspective lyrics, the songs on Moontraveler make you want to close your eyes and just melt into the music. Every word and note is so beautifully expressed. Aaron's melodic voice hovers over a textured blend of guitar combined with skillful and inspired songwriting. Tunes like the mellow, rhythmic "A Friend I Had" are comforting and simple, while the catchy riffs of "Antennae's Wife" will be swirling around in your head for days. This is an amazing album by an incredibly talented artist."