Waterland by Grant Olsen

"Saturday Evening Post" is a declaration of love for a girl Grant never dared talk to. The final track, "Diddy Riese," is his requisite ode to summer. With his gentle melodies and signature guitar style, Grant creates lasting images with every song.

For "Waterland," which is Grant's sophomore album, he again combines forces with bassist Leo Patrone, guitarist/vocalist Micah Dahl Anderson, and violinist Cedric Anderson. Grant's two lovely sisters, Michelle and Diana, also appear on tracks five and ten, respectively.

"Songs of woe for those running to or from meaning. Grant of Provo sets out his initial personal tale of emotional and spiritual disenfranchisement, arcing from baptism to estrangement. Later, a subtle sampled sound of a ticking clock finishes the concept, and frames the exodus in track/chapter four. The songwriting is basic and straightforward...and certain chord progressions are made intentionally recognizable to heighten the listener's nostalgia, and thus, insert the listener's experience as contrast."

--SLUG MAGAZINE

"His first album with Ape Island Records, Grant Olsen's 'Waterland' offers a homegrown mysticism that rends and heals. Each of the ten tracks focuses on story-telling and a sense of place, rejuvenating folk with Olsen's unique sound."

--STUDENT GUIDE

"From first kisses, to 19th century poetry, to small Utah towns, to Peace Dog Beer Cave, Grant's lyrics and musicality hold a certain nostalgia, embedded in what it means to exist. In its thirty minutes, 'Waterland' develops a sense of reflection through pointed narratives but also through communal emotions of melancholy, loss, and happiness."

--SCHOOLED MAGAZINE

"'Waterland' has ten laid-back tracks of folksy songs and a pleasant, calming sound. Track six, also titled 'Waterland,' is the highlight. Plus, track four has fiddles. Yee-haw!"

--WHAT'S HOT FOR 2007

"Whether you're at home, school, work, or play, 'Waterland' will take you straight to a warm, friendly place. A proverbial campfire, if you will. Grant's soothing melodies and profound lyrics will leave you thinking deeply and loving home, wherever it may be. Listen and live!"

--COTTON AND SILVER

"Je peux pas vous expliquer, ces chansons ont qq chose, un petit qq chose en + qui le différencie nettement de la pléthore de songwriters lo-folk actuels, sa musique me touche profondément. Et pour tout vous dire, je l'écoute très souvent, très très très souvent, c'est une musique qui me relaxe...Des morceaux comme 'Low Low' à la petite mélodie de guitare entêtante et balladeuse, 'Death of the Ball Turret Gunner' avec ses harmonies à 2 voix douces & sublimes comme du Simon & Garfunkel ou le magnifique 'Waterland', morceau poignant et parfait dans sa ligne de guitare, sont des petits bijoux de songwriting pour moi, à l'architecture solide, structurée...Grant a du talent, un immense talent."

--INDIEBOYTRAQUEUR.COM

"...Grant Olsen est un immense songwriter qui sous son aspect minimaliste, voir austère, sait trouver la petite mélodie qui accroche, créer des ambiances sereines et relaxantes. Sa voix est douce et caressante, ses chansons dégagent une délicieuse atmosphère mélancolique. Parfois un air de violon country, une voix féminine ajoutent de discrets ornements, évitent à l’ensemble de sombrer dans l’austérité rébarbative. Les défauts de ce disque, sa production artisanale, ces grincements provoqués par le bruit des doigts glissants sur les cordes renforcent son charme. Ils lui donnent un coté intimiste, comme l’impression de passer une soirée devant le feu de camp en compagnie de votre meilleur copain qui vient d’empoigner sa guitare juste pour vous."

--TATAPOUM.NET

Average Customer Review: 5