Artist: Langhorne Slim
Album: S/T
Label: Kemado Records
Release Date: April 29, 2008

Like some seasoned busker on the sidewalks of Philadelphia, folk-blues rocker Langhorne Slim puts it all on the line. His well-worn larynx, which sporadically emits a impassioned noise comparable to yelping, is his last hope. His stories are his livelihood. And there’s just no mistaking it.

But as with most street-faring musicians, the real struggle lies in catching the attention of passersby. Slim, however, accomplishes this mountainous task with flying colors. His face alone, much like his sophomore effort, is full of expression and, furthermore, vulnerability—an attribute which effectively demands empathy.

One of Langhorne Slim’s strongpoints is clearly his witty and sardonic slant. As demonstrated in the leading track “Rebel Side of Heaven,” Slim has his own idea of what constitutes the netherworld. He simply frames his stories with the most visually descriptive, albeit ludicrous, language.

Langhorne Slim - "Collette"

Ultimately, though, it is Slim’s inherent ability to regard life and love (more often the latter) with such a contemplative eye that reels you in. Whether it be the acrimonious, porch-stomping “She’s Gone,” the obliquely expressed “Sometimes” or the reposeful, country-infused ballad “Colleen,” he demonstrates sharp powers of judgement.

One would be hard pressed to find a more unpretentious purveyor of truth. Langhorne Slim is a true teller of tales—a raconteur of sorts.