Review: N. Lannon "Chemical Friends"

I don’t often listen to lyrics, but Nyles Lannon’s latest effort makes me want to hear more. His arrangements are sparse, at times, rich at others. The keyboards interlace various field recordings and acoustic harmonies. But the lyrics always stand out. He’s got that singer-songwriter thing going on. When I saw him at San Francisco’s 12 Galaxies, he had one guy onstage with him. I think. He may have been alone. That's how personal his stuff was.

I recommend as rainy day music “Chemical Friends”. The influences come from abroad, Boards of Canada, and home, Elliot Smith, I’m told. Lannon also plays in San Fran band Film School. I saw them one night at the Cafe Du Nord. It was pretty fun. Their stuff is way overpowering, though, while Nyles' solo stuff just kind of sits there and invites you in.