There’s something transcendent about everyday life—the moments we live but seldom notice, the people we meet but rarely remember. Brian Bacon, a deeply evocative storyteller, has managed to turn these seemingly mundane experiences into a rich tapestry of myth and melody with his latest album, ‘Murder of Crows’. Over the course of 10 carefully crafted tracks, Bacon invites listeners into a world that is at once intimate and larger-than-life, drawing inspiration from the rugged terrain of his Southern Ohio upbringing. It’s a sonic journey that feels both personal and universal, a folk-rock opera that doesn’t just narrate but enraptures.
At the heart of ‘Murder of Crows’ is a concept as simple as it is profound: the mythical power of everyday life. “It’s these small, commonplace moments that have something mythical about them,” Bacon says, offering a glimpse into the philosophical backbone of his music. Each track is a vignette, a window into the lives of people from his hometown—people like the farmer, the valet parker, or the drive-thru liquor store patron. These are characters that might otherwise go unnoticed in the hustle of modern life, but under Bacon’s keen storytelling eye, they become legends in their own right.
This is where the album’s magic truly lies—‘Murder of Crows’ takes the ordinary and infuses it with grandeur, turning the quiet corners of rural Ohio into stages for epic emotional dramas. The lyrics and melodies create a balance between simplicity and sophistication, capturing moments of beauty in lives that might otherwise seem small, all the while preserving the grittiness and imperfection of reality.
For Bacon, the creation of this album wasn’t just a creative milestone—it was a life-altering decision. After spending years performing throughout Northeast Ohio, honing his craft at venues like Brent Kirby’s 10×3 songwriter showcase, Bacon found himself at a crossroads. With his daughter graduating from high school, the time was ripe for a second act. “I was looking to make a big change, a second-act type of change in my life, and I decided to go for it,” he shares, underscoring the deeply personal nature of this project. What started as a love for music in his youth has blossomed into a full-fledged artistic vision decades later.
The decision to collaborate with Nashville-based producer Nick Bullock added another layer of depth to the project. Their shared admiration for Harry Nilsson’s ‘Nilsson Schmilsson’ laid the foundation for an album that would be as eclectic as it is cohesive. Recording in Nashville, Bacon was able to blend the raw emotion of folk rock with the polished expertise of Bullock’s production and the seasoned talents of studio musicians. The result? A sound that evokes the spirit of ‘70s pop/rock, while being unmistakably modern.
Describing ‘Murder of Crows’ as an “album” doesn’t quite capture its scope. It’s more akin to a theatrical experience, a folk-rock opera that sweeps listeners off their feet and transports them into the heart of Midwestern Gothic. From the opening track, “Keep the Lights On, Charlie,” which functions as a kind of overture, Bacon sets the tone. With its intricate vocal harmonies and storytelling style, the song introduces the listener to a series of characters that weave in and out of the album’s narrative, much like in a stage production.
The journey continues with “No Hero,” an upbeat track that juxtaposes its danceable rhythm with introspective lyrics, blending elements of rock and folk into something undeniably catchy. “Good Earth of Ours,” on the other hand, is steeped in modern country influences, with guitars and harmonies taking center stage, paying homage to the land that shaped both Bacon’s childhood and his sound.
But perhaps the album’s centerpiece is its title track, “Murder of Crows.” This is where Bacon’s cinematic vision truly comes to life. The song builds in intensity, layer upon layer, until it reaches a crescendo that is nothing short of haunting. It’s a song that conjures images of wide-open fields under a foreboding sky, where beauty and tragedy coexist in the same breath.
Tracks like “Where Has Bruce Been?” and “Andrew” slow down the tempo, giving Bacon’s soulful vocals space to shine. “Andrew,” in particular, is a somber anthem that delves deep into the artist’s emotional core, demonstrating his ability to connect with listeners on a visceral level. And then there’s “Softly as I Go,” a sweet, rhythmic ballad that contrasts beautifully with the upbeat energy of “Nice Girl in the City,” a track that could easily find a home on any modern playlist with its irresistible hooks.
As the album winds down, it reaches its emotional climax with “Kissing Me Deadly” and “Get There In Time.” The former is a vocal showcase, dripping with evocative emotion, while the latter is a perfect bookend to the album’s story—a catchy, accessible track that leaves listeners with a sense of closure. Much like the finale of a stage production, “Get There In Time” feels like the moment the curtain drops, a satisfying conclusion to the characters’ journeys.
But ‘Murder of Crows’ is more than just a collection of stories—it’s an experience. It’s an album designed to be listened to from start to finish, where each track flows seamlessly into the next. And like any great work of art, it rewards repeat listens, as layers of meaning and nuance slowly reveal themselves with every spin.
What makes ‘Murder of Crows’ so compelling is Bacon’s ability to tell stories that resonate on a deeply human level. His characters, though specific to his own experiences growing up in Southern Ohio, could be anyone, anywhere. They are universal in their struggles, their joys, and their heartbreaks. And the music—lush, intricate, and often surprising—serves as the perfect backdrop for these tales, elevating them from the everyday to the extraordinary.
Brian Bacon has crafted an album that is at once nostalgic and fresh, familiar yet innovative. It’s a record that transports listeners to a world that feels both grounded in reality and touched by myth. And in doing so, ‘Murder of Crows’ cements Bacon’s place as one of the most exciting and unique voices in folk rock today. Whether you’re a fan of rock operas, folk tales, or simply great music, this is an album that deserves your full attention.
