The Music Review: Austin Plaine
Columnist: Claire Blaum
Editor: Clemence Bernard
I felt it was about time in the semester that I throw in an obscure artist into the mix, so here it goes. This week’s article is dedicated to my recent discovery of Austin Plaine. Even iTunes doesn’t offer a blurb on Plaine, but that’s fine, they’re missing out. Maybe Cornellians can help shed some light on who I believe is a very noteworthy artist. Plaine combines a folk-esque sound into the frame of a singer/songwriter. If you like Passenger or Ed Sheeran you might be attracted to this softer, lighter version of the same sort of sound.
My personal favorite tracks are “The Hell If I Go Home”, “Never Come Back Again” and “The Cost”, granted your favorites will probably be whatever you can find by him on YouTube. Fret not, however, because spotify offers a complete version of his latest self-titled album.
“Never Come Back Again” is a pretty good depiction of how you might feel during finals week. “I want to find the key to the sky and never come back again” is a nice way to escape that library grind. It’s nostalgic and uplifting beat makes for a catchy, easy-listening tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM4RcvksMAk
Some of you might recognize “Your Love” from a recent Mastercard commercial. This track reminds me the most of a more-folkish version of many of Passenger’s tracks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAzEd04akWE
“Hard Days” is a more traditional, guitar-based track that feels like a trip down memory lane. It has significant but subtle ties to American history. For all you History or American Studies majors out there, I dare you to try to ascertain what time frame this song was written about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut250aIdoQ4
Similar Artists: Passenger, Ed Sheeran, Amos Lee
Claire Baum, magazine, opinion columns, The Music Review
