Larry Keel has released a new solo album this week, titled American Dream, via Keel Fish Music. Keel wrote, recorded, and produced the entire 10 song album, which he officially released on Friday, November 6th.
Keel performed each and every instrument on American Dream, from vibe-setting upright bass and quick-picked acoustic guitar on the album’s lead single, “Try”, to the electric six-string and prominent mandolin on the title track. The veteran musician highlights his dynamic sonic ability on American Dream, encompassing a variety of genres throughout the album’s nearly-40-minute runtime. While some tracks arrive in his classic bluegrass style, others drip with moody psychedelia or veer towards a more poppy folk rock.
Related: Drive-In Concert Series & Life During Quarantine With Larry Keel [Interview]
Keel’s lyricism on American Dream is about as dynamic as the musicality. While some of the album’s inspiration came from life on the road as a touring musician, current events—including COVID-19 and the global protests against systemic racism—influenced Keel’s writing as well. The title track, “American Dream”, hears Keel narrate from the point of view of a child who, though young and inexperienced in life, asserts very clear standards for himself and for society. Keel states what he does not want to be as a man in the song’s opening lines, “I don’t wanna grow up to be another angry old white guy/self-important, and all wrapped up in his white lie,” and then proclaims what he is attempting to be: an empathetic, moral and positive person, always striving to do better and aiming to serve the greater good.
“I consider this album to be a culmination of my deepest and most sincere thoughts, up to now,” said Keel in a press release.
“In spite of the turbulent times happening when I wrote most of these songs, I felt really centered and energized to just say exactly what was on my mind through lyrics and music. For me, this was a positive experience in starting a conversation through this recording. Hopefully it resonates with someone out there.”
Listen to “American Dream” and “Try” below, and click here for more listening and purchase options.
Larry Keel – “American Dream”
Larry Keel – “Try”
