Sanford: Drives Melancholy to Dynamic Excitations with ‘Extinguished Dreams’

Singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, Sanford: reinforces his versatility with his sophomore album, ‘Extinguished Dreams’. The artist has an expansive reach when it comes to stylistic presentations. With each release, he demonstrates the sophisticated degree of his vision and craft. It’s not that you don’t know what to expect but it is more along the lines of always expect the best with him because you’re going to get it. His elevated understanding of concept allows him to explore, wander and be curious. And in many ways he passes on that liberated spirit to his listener. This album is no different. There’s definitely a melancholic subtext that runs through it, by virtue of the theme. However, his interpretation and presentation of it is nothing that you would have previously heard or thought of. 

The twelve-track collection forms along the bluesy spectrum. You’ll see elements of folk, country, funk, rock, jazz, and everything in between. With mercurial rhythms, he presents structures that you cannot rely upon but ones that keep you on your toes. They are edgy and free. ‘April 3, 1974’ is the introductory track that kind of sets the stage for everything that you’ll experience across the album. It has the dynamic upbeat rock blended with country folk, some jazz twines, and a whole lot of blues. 

Tracks like ‘Caroline’s Better’ and ‘Will They X Make it Good’ are warm, feel-good, classic folk presentations. They have that free strum rhythm pattern with contemplative narratives. While the former is a blend of folk, country, and rock, the latter has that rustic country charm and whimsy to it. Other tracks that elucidate on these styles are ‘Sunrise’, ‘Wait and See’ and the ‘Illusion’, each one presenting a chill, lofi daze that you can indulge in completely. 

‘The Way Out’ segues beautifully into clouds of blues rock spruced with jazz, rock, and funk. A perfect lead to more complex jazz formations that you’ll see in the ‘Cotton Hill Memorial Barbecue’. A track that is brilliantly crafted to evoke dynamism in its audience. It is a surge with all the energy culminating in its highs. 

‘The Link’ and ‘Resonance Cascade’ conclude the collection with their abstract notions. Manifesting in the instrumentals (former) and in the vocal sentiments (latter), they are a rewarding ending to the album. 

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The album is available for streaming on popular sites like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music! 

You can listen to ‘Extinguished Dreams’ by Sanford: here -