Paul Schalda - Lately (IEX, Colored Vinyl)

On his debut solo album Lately, Paul Schalda channels the human experience with a transparent, poetic purity. The Texas transplant troubadour's folk-flecked indie soul is at once vulnerable, personal, and hugely relatable. Lately is a record permeated with love in all it's incarnations: romantic, familial, parental, brotherly, and musical. Album opener "Alarmist" sets the tone; it's an ode to the human experience with a vastness and sonic depth apt to it's subdued lyrical angst. Lead single "Anything For Your Love" is a subtly exotic, slightly sepia-toned 70's radio record produced by Adrian Quesada of the Black Pumas. It's a statement of complete devotion with universally relatable lyrics and earworm melodies. Other gems include the "we've-all-been-there" sing-along "Can You See Yourself With Me" and the title track. Schalda has traveled the world as part of the legendary Charles Bradleys's band and recorded some amazing records with Tom Brenneck as Paul and the Tall Trees as well as his family harmony group the Sha La Das. The goal on his first solo record was to mix the energy of his East Coast family with his new Texas family. That manifests in the form of a stellar backing backing band that includes guitarist/musical director Robert Ellis, drummer Rich Terrana and Preet Patel (from NY band the Frightnrs), Brooklyn's Victor Axelrod (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings) on keys, and Dallas luminaries Kevin and Becki Howard.