Allan Rayman Looks Back on His Life on 'Roadhouse 02'
Wyoming-born, Toronto-based artist Allan Rayman reassesses his entire life in the 13-track epic, Roadhouse 02. The thought-provoking, abstract album sees the artist examining his journey thus far and deciding which path to take next. Through songs of self-discovery and recounting difficult life lessons, Rayman realizes that if he lets his alter ego "Mr. Roadhouse" take the driver's seat, he will inevitably end up down a very dark road, one where no one wants to go.
Despite its seemingly somber narrative, Roadhouse 02 is some of his most captivating and hypnotic work to date, allowing listeners a chance to fully lose themselves in his weird and wonderful sound. An amalgam of R&B, jazz, and experimental electronic elements, this is an album where each unexpected turn unveils a new enthralling path. Delivering little surprises round each corner, Rayman keeps listeners on their toes, from the punchy and poetic "Dead Frogs" to the more theatrical and haunting "Frank." His unique vocals flutter between a ferocious and feathery tone, occasionally accompanied by layered, soulful female backing vocals, which create a spine-tingling choral atmosphere.
"Brother" demonstrates Rayman's ability to craft unique compositions, unfamiliar to anything else you've heard. He is original and inventive, with his colorful imagination taking his music to previously undiscovered places. The beginning of "Mascara" evokes the thrall of an '80s rock concert, before dropping down into a sultry display of seducing vocals and crying electric guitars. This song truly takes you on a ride, giving us further insight into how the mind of this man works.
"Fixing Sandwiches" brings the release to a beautiful and peaceful end. Rayman sounds fatigued in his finale, as his self-exploration comes to a close and he is able to finally see his future ahead of him.
Listen to Roadhouse 02 below:
