1st BASE RUNNER “Light Roars”

Souvenir Sound, 2022

Music: Shoegaze
Website: http://1stbaserunner.com/
Duration: 18:00 (5 tracks)
Country: U.S.A

It wasn’t too long ago that I covered Tim Husmann’s “Ellis” released under the 1st Base Runner moniker. That was my entry point to the “World of Husmann”, and needless to say he did take me to another dimension with his broody yet melodic atmospheric instrumental setup. Shoegaze, as many like to refer to his sound, I find his music a bit more cyclic – in the sense, of not being able to restrict it to one name. It is like getting a Chocolate Icecream, but it’s called Chocochip Belgian Brownie Icecream. You have the main cream that is “topped” with a ton of other “flavours”.

In the case of Tim, it is Shoegaze played in tandem with other styles like Dream Pop, Indie Rock, Metal and a bit of electronica here and there. With “Light Roars”, his latest release, it is all about making that perfect combination, with some tweaks to the original sound. Comprising a total of 5 tracks, “Light Roars” was released this week, June 13 under Souvenir Sound.

First impressions – Well, the album art, though! Tim Husmann is very particular when it comes to artwork. Almost as if he is not happy with something random painted across with 1st Base Runner written on it. He collaborated with Matt Needle, one of the most acclaimed artists in the space, and they together made a masterpiece of art! Just looking at the art would tempt anyone to purchase it – say digitally or physically as a CD. I really hope Tim has plans for merchandise – I would buy definitely buy anything with that art!

Diving into the album, it is very clear that you are not in for a joyous trip with a catchy and singalong chorus. Because if there is one thing that the album tries to prove – it would be how to be different in an industry oversaturated with repetitive music. This album is different from his previous ones. The reason is Tim working on a Live Band set up to make the instruments sound a bit more organic rather than programming them on the system.

It does make a huge difference! The experience is quasi-different from “Ellis”. The singing parts fit well with the track. In a way, it doesn’t seem overpowering the instrumentation laid out. Though the album contains 5 different tracks, once you are in the zone it feels like a one-trip rollercoaster – you will definitely lose track of time. That’s one of the highlights I found from this release.

Overall, it tops “Ellis”, and is perhaps one of Tim’s strongest releases under the 1st Base Runner moniker. Before even the release he has set the path forward. So, curious to know what we are going to get next? Well, it is a long list. First Tim and confirmed there will be a live EP and a video series recorded along with his newly formed Live band. And there will be a follow-up to “Light Roars” entitled “Nightstalker”, expected to be a bit more darker and experimental. Don’t know about you all, but I am definitely excited.

Tracklist:

1. In The Beginning
2. Pushing Away Mastered
3. Dead Wood
4. Give Up The End
5. Planter

Line-up:

Tim Husmann – writer and producer (all instruments and Vocals)