A few months back, we spoke about Sluka’s single “Sunset Screamer.” It turned out to be a preview
of Cristopher Sluka’s latest album Cautionary Yell, which quite recently got its official release.
Now Sluka has become a full-fledged band that along with Sluka himself, includes Anna Eppink – Bass, and Michael Bedard – Drums, as well as the string duo of Nico Hueso – Violin & Viola, and Erdis Maxhelaku – Cello.
Those unfamiliar with Sluka’s previous efforts might be surprised by the sonic palette of this new album, but as it is Sluka’s 14th album the complexity of the music and its sleek execution should be no surprise as Sluka’s take on modern prog rock (shades of Pink Floyd and David Bowie all over the place) is among the better to be heard these days.
It is mostly up to Sluka’s excellent songwriting, the band’s high-quality execution as well as exemplary production of Grammy winner Alan Sanderson(Fiona Apple, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Weezer, Fleetwood Mac, Elliott Smith), who probably wouldn’t get involved if he didn’t hear all the right notes in Sluka’s songwriting.
For his part, Christopher says that full songs almost always pop into his head during a long-distance run. “I can hear the arrangement, structure, and the lyrics. So, that’s when I sit down at the piano or guitar and begin to make a demo in my home studio.”
And such a process seems to work a charm for ‘Cautionary Yell.’