Langhorne Slim's Electric Evolution: The Dreamin' Kind

Langhorne Slim, born Sean Scolnick, has transitioned from his acoustic roots to a more electrified sound with his new album, *The Dreamin’ Kind*, released on September 29, 2023. This shift was facilitated by a collaboration with Greta Van Fleet members, bassist Jake Kiszka and drummer Danny Wagner, who produced the album and contributed to its instrumentation. Slim describes this collaboration as a long-held dream coming to fruition, allowing him to explore a more bombastic musical style while maintaining his folk roots.

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The collaboration began when Kiszka and Wagner attended one of Slim's performances in Nashville. Initially hesitant to join them for a jam session, Slim eventually accepted their invitation, leading to a productive partnership. He expressed gratitude for their enthusiasm and musical prowess, stating, “I’m very grateful that they had the time and the desire to make the record with me.” This partnership rekindled Slim's passion for live music, reminiscent of his early experiences with music in his youth.

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*The Dreamin’ Kind* was recorded over a year, contrasting with Slim's previous, more rushed recording processes. The album opens with "Rock N Roll," which sets a lively tone with its nostalgic 1970s AM radio sound. Other tracks, such as "Dream Come True," incorporate acoustic elements, while "On Fire" blends Motown and rock influences. Despite the album's energetic sound, Slim emphasizes that it remains rooted in folk music, stating, “All the good raw shit is folk music in that sense.”

Langhorne Slim Leans Into Naturally Flowing Rock and Roll Sounds on ‘The Dreamin’ Kind’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

Critics have noted that the album represents a natural evolution for Slim, maintaining his deep lyrical content while embracing a louder, more dynamic sound. The closing track, "Engine 99," effectively ties together the album's quieter moments with its more robust rock tracks, showcasing Slim's versatility as an artist. The album has been praised for adding a new dimension to his discography while preserving the essence of his musical appeal.

Langhorne Slim Leans Into Naturally Flowing Rock and Roll Sounds on ‘The Dreamin’ Kind’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

Langhorne Slim has articulated his excitement about the album, highlighting the joy of collaboration and the creative process. He remarked on the transformative experience of working with Kiszka and Wagner, who inspired him to explore new musical territories.

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While the album has received positive feedback, some critics may argue that the shift to a more electric sound could alienate long-time fans who prefer Slim's acoustic style. However, Slim maintains that the core of his music remains intact, emphasizing the folk elements present in his new work.

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• “A dream that I’ve had for a long time that is coming true with this record.” — Langhorne Slim

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• “We were basically like a garage-rock band, just coming together through admiration of each other’s offerings, and just for fun,” — Langhorne Slim

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• “I still think of this music as folk music — if folk music is music for the people,” — Langhorne Slim

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Langhorne Slim's *The Dreamin’ Kind* marks a significant chapter in his musical journey, blending his folk roots with a newfound electric energy, promising to resonate with both new listeners and dedicated fans alike.

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