While we eagerly await a new Extra Arms album (which is coming this summer!), Ryan Allen has continued to treat fans to some truly excellent home-recorded solo releases. What I've enjoyed about these releases is that they have allowed Allen to dive deep into his multitude of musical influences. Song Snacks Vol. 1 was a nod to some of the sprawling indie rock epics of the 1990s. What A Rip was a love letter to 1960s pop and rock and roll. Digital Hiss celebrated the loud/fuzzed out side of indie rock. And now on his latest release I'm Not Mean, Allen finds himself inspired by the heyday of jangly indie pop. Without copying any artists in particular, he taps into the general vibe of The Smiths, early R.E.M., and the collective output of Sarah and Slumberland Records. It has been well-established that Ryan Allen can rock with the best of 'em, but these four tracks are all about finesse. From the guitar tone to the harmonies to the general fidelity of these recordings, the devil is in the details. "Count With Me" is as warm and bright as spring sunshine. Simply put, it's perfect pop. "To Be A Journalist" doubles down on the jangle but still sounds like a vintage Ryan Allen song with amazing lyrics and indelible melodies working hand-in-hand. Allen goes full twee on the title track, melding simplicity and sheer beauty like he's the second coming of Bobby Wratten.
While Ryan Allen is no stranger to home recording, I'm Not Means finds him really stepping things up in terms of production and arrangements. Listening to this EP, it's not in any way obvious that these tracks were recorded at home by one guy with two microphones. Of course it doesn't hurt to have a formidable talent like Justin Pizzoferrato on hand to mix and master the recordings! If Allen's intention was to craft an homage to jangle pop, I'd say he fully nailed it. And as he always does, he manages to fold those inspirations into his own distinctive style as an artist. Whatever the specific influences may be, a Ryan Allen record always sounds like a Ryan Allen record. Whether you're a jangle junkie or simply a fan of melodic pop music, I'm Not Mean is highly recommended!
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