Chris Bathgate
A Cork Tale Wake

After a year since its official release, here in Italy we finally have the long-awaited (by him first) debut on a label by Chris Bathgate, a young graduate from Michigan with a passion for art, Jeff Tweedy, and Will Oldham. Behind him, two self-produced works.

It is difficult to evaluate albums of this type: those who love the genre are easily won over by a warm, sweet, and charming voice like Chris's. The difficulty lies in trying to understand if we are really facing something valid or simply something that speaks to the heart but in an unconvincing way.

I believe Bathgate does not deceive. "A Cork Tale Wake" is beautiful. Engaging.

From the first notes of piano played with increasing confidence, we realize that we need to pay attention, the best we can muster. If we are in a hurry, it is best to postpone.

Taken by the hand, we are accompanied to 11 rooms furnished with taste and love for details. Never monochrome. Details, small objects, toys. Soft lights. Corduroy clothes and wool blankets. Bordeaux, green, and blue are the dominant colors. Old vinyl records of Tim Buckley, Nick Drake worn out from too many listenings. Andrew Bird in an armchair playing cards with Sam Beam. Tea in the hands of a girl observing and smiling. It is autumn, even if outside there is the first timid spring sun.

I struggle to understand why it took so long to find a label.

And I feel mixed difficulty and embarrassment in citing some titles more deserving than others. "Serpentine" is enchanting. "Smile like a fist" delightful and certainly the most "tweedy".

At times, Chris's voice reminds one of Antony's, particularly in "The Last Parade On Ann St.". Too often referenced inappropriately. And it would also be the case here if the same vocal range were expected; but what unites them is mainly the timbral warmth and not the virtuosity.

Chris Bathgate's voice is accompanied by very particular arrangements of strings and winds. Never banal. "Every Wall You Own" recalls Sodastream for the use of the cello and Micah P. Hinson in the final instrumental section. "Restless" has more drive compared to the other tracks. Within the limits of a minstrel on a rocking chair.

A good songwriter. But one of those who was needed.