Quite often as listeners we take lyrical tidbits from songs and relate them to our own lives. For some, that emotional connectivity is the defining aspect of their ability to appreciate a record.
But then here comes Devon Welsh, the main man behind the moniker of Majical Cloudz, who fractures that sentiment with this intimate and seemingly self-indulgent release.
“I’m a liar, I say I make music,” sings Welsh on the opening title track where he exposes himself not only as a fabricator, but also as a man who struggles with his identity as a musician.
While it’s apparent on this track, both the album’s self referencing (which can be heard on ‘This Is Magic’, and Welsh’s dissection of his live performance on ‘Do I Sing For You’), demonstrates how songwriting is a catharsis for the musician.
The undisguised lyrical self-awareness of Impersonator could easily be disarming, but there are two simple elements that make this record a mesmeric experience.
The singer’s deep sonorous vocals juxtaposed by the airy minimal electronica composed by his fellow collaborator Mathew Otto.
With few elements Otto creates a hypnotic atmosphere, which brings Welsh’s vocals to the forefront of each song.
While lines like “I want to be somebody’s darling” on the title track and “will I be alone forever” on ‘Notebook’ all scream relatability, there is no mistaking this as Welsh’s journey. We’re only here to enjoy the show.
Despite this, Welsh and Otto have the uncanny ability to engage you for the full thirty-eight minutes with this delicate and emotionally hinged record.
On ‘Bugs Don’t Buzz’ Welsh sings “The cheesiest songs all end with a smile, this won’t end with a smile, my love” and he’s right. Impersonator won’t make you happy, but it will give you the satisfaction that comes with immersing yourself in someone else’s introspection, while still being able to be moved by the experience.
