OSLO slipped across my feed on Bandcamp one fateful evening this June. The sounds of "Loma Prieta" cleared my head like someone in a movie pushing the contents of a cluttered table onto the floor. It took me about a week to come back and listen to the whole album because I could feel that there was something here and I wanted to listen to it right. Now I've listened at home, at work, and (yes) laying on the floor.

These songs are messy in emotion. They vary from polished and produced with lots of instrumentation to the stripped down "Voice Memo 9.8.20." A song that reminds me of many a memo or demo recording I could find on my own phone. "Albatross" (a title which seems in reference to the metaphorical burden or curse) vents frustrations about things not done for oneself. Sliding in at track four is "Loma Prieta" the name of a mountain and perhaps a reference to the lyric 'a goddamn earthquake.' Its lyrics reflect on how we can self-sabotage and tear down the things we make. "Celebrate" reminds us to celebrate life in all its complexity. All these songs have lovely lyrics with instrumentation that perfectly compliments every syllable.

I love these tracks. It was hard to choose favorites because each one felt so necessary. They feel like a journey of emotion through someone's songwriting notebook as they deal with some of life's more painful experiences. You might find companionship in these songs for your own feelings. You might feel a little less alone. You might see a little hope. For those out there having to live one step at a time, lost in the day, and feeling a little grey. Whether you are still there, see it coming, or are walking away from it.

This one is for you.