Dallas singer-songwriter Ari Roar releases his debut album, Calm Down, through Bella Union. The LP draws on 1960s pop and modern DIY heroes for a set of lovingly languid, lo-fi miniatures...

Calm Down contains 16 songs (27 min, 49 sec) and some might feel a little short changed, while others will be grateful of its to the point melodies and lyrics.

Personally it wasn't really an album that I was overly fond of to start with. But, after half a dozen listens it did start to grow on me... a little. The '60s vibe is interesting, and certainly gives Ari Roar a slightly different sound. He can write and perform a good song, but his style will either be one you easily warm to, or just can't get on with.

6

Nick Smithson