Fabricated Worlds: Kevin Smeltzer

I am so incredibly impressed with this album. The 16 songs off Fabricated Worlds feel like an epic journey that explores a new sound with each track, traversing genres you’d never have expected to hear. Some songs swing 2000s pop with bubbly beats, some 80s synth with vocal talk box effects, and some have a ska-like flair that sounds like a sweet summer day (specifically, “I Don’t Really Care About You”). On top of wild genre-bending, Smeltzer’s rich, powerful, tenor vocal tone catches you off guard in a way that balances the spunky, fun instrumentals. One enjoyably intriguing tune is “If It Were True,” a speakeasy jazz track with smooth piano and saxophone delivering a clean break from the mostly upbeat songs. “Take Advantage of Me” is another earworm. With its pop charm, catchy melody, and mellow bass, it solidifies its spot as number one off the album. Overall, Fabricated Worlds is an engaging listening experience and a local must-listen.

-Sara Stoppel