Low Mirada. Ryan Traster

'The Seventh Daughter', a single coming off Low Mirada, featured on the blog recently and made me very, very curious for the album. That album is out today. The description it deserves, is that it is ultimately pleasing. Ryan Traster  manages to tickle many of my musical fancies.

Anyone having any knowledge of pop music of the last six decades will recognise Traster incorporating many of the best elements to create his own songs, that sound so nice. From the beat era The Beatles to The Byrds and all the bands that emulated this music from the mid 1960s onwards. Add to that the California bands of the 1970s and you are starting to get the picture.

The sound of Low Mirada is clear. The guitars have either a slight twang or have very clear lead tones. The drummer, Pete Anderson, plays very relaxed but firm. He sounds as if playing his instrument comes naturally, effortless. It makes that the songs have a solid body, without taking up more room than strictly necessary. With a bass playing in great sync with him, the bottom of each song is taken care of.

Traster has been playing music ever since his 16th birthday. His first EP was released in 2010. The Minneapolis raised singer built an oeuvre from there. He recorded this album in Minneapolis with Kris Johnson and Chris Walla behind the console. His live band plays on the record. This is not always the case with country rock artists.

Ryan Traster's music goes way beyond country. There certainly are faint traces in his music. Take 'Blue Blood'. Here he mixes country with The Rolling Stones' 'Exile On Main Street's sound. His inclination on Low Mirada however is to present pop music with a mild rock element. Had the guitars been mixed in more prominent, it could have been a more rock oriented album. Now his voice and a piano, like in 'Fangs', are more prominent. Not to forget the nice female backing vocals, that attract attention regularly on Low Mirada.

This combination makes Low Mirada an American album. In Europe a band like Teenage Fanclub comes to mind or the Norwegian Sugerfoot. An American album that does everything right. From the first to the last note Ryan Traster pleases with his take on pop music. The promise of 'The Seventh Daughter' is totally lived up to.

Wout de Natris

You can listen to and order Low Mirada here:

https://ryantraster.bandcamp.com/album/low-mirada