“Bonfire in Watercolor” Everything Falls Under – A review (Pt.1) 

Approaching this review, my first thought was arrested in mid formulation... I was planning to begin this by saying, “As is usual with Thielus Grenon...” How absurd! Nothing about this artist's work is 'usual' – except that it is recognizable as being his own. If I had heard this track and not already known it was Grenon's handiwork, I fully believe I would have known it was him – or someone drinking the same creative elixir.  

That made me think more carefully: what makes an artist's work recognizable. Usually it's the voice. If I heard an Elvis track that had somehow escaped my hearing in the past, I would instantly know it was him. Same with other artists: Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and many, many others. The voice is one of the most distinct auditory markers. Some guitarists, Hendrix or Clapton, had very recognizable styles, but I could easily be fooled – although Jimi's voice was very obviously his own.

But it is the marker of owning a distinct musical style that I have in mind. And Grenon's work is recognizable from its style. Everything, including his vocals, are subordinate to the style of the music. When I was trying to describe his vocals to myself, the term 'extension of the music' felt right. It is almost as if he camouflages his voice within the music. 

Partially this is a result of mixing ratios. The voice is not inaudible, but neither is it hot in the mix. However, the distinct nature of his work involves more than the mixing choices. Thielus almost invariably underscores each note with an instrument tracing the melody being sung. That might not seem particularly unusual, but it actually is. It is much more common that the first note of a phrase be supported by instrumental emphasis than that every note should be so supported. In fact, with this artist it is often not just an instrument supporting each syllable that is sung, but percussion – drum hits -- as well.  

There are other distinct features typical of Grenon's work. There is a dark pensive feeling to the music. This is largely, I think, due to his chord selection. I may be wrong, because my musical theory is quite weak. Unless I pick up a guitar and check, I'm guessing, but his material is usually minor sounding, and not straight minors either. Sounds like elevenths and ninths and so on. I didn't dig out my guitar to verify this observation, and I know that better trained ears would know for certain. My ears are not only poorly trained, but are increasingly deaf! Sigh.

Then their is the lyrical content of Grenon's work, itself an extension of his subject matter, and again, both usually dark or shadowy in nature. Certainly not sunshine bright – even though this song is about bright colors.

“Bonfire in Watercolor” Everything Falls Under – A review (Pt.2) 

So, the entire brew that Thielus cooks up for each track, makes his work very much his own and highly recognizable. One other common feature is that I always admire his work. This song is no exception.

What is interesting to me is that this track works while working against itself. I mean that the song is about bright colors but is not musically vibrantly bright. It is, as I mentioned, dark. Consider the chorus:

Taking time now with our steps
We walk away all life regret
Seek a world bright painted day
With you here... always

I certainly appreciate the sentiment. Over the years, a long walk – day or night – has been very therapeutic for me. It helps me process, decompress, gain new perspectives, and unwind. But here's the thing, with this song's musical backing, it does not feel as if 'life regret' has been successfully walked away. It sounds more like it has been trodden down into the soul.

For anyone who has endured through reading a number of my reviews, you will know I have often made reference to a measuring sticks I use to guage successful art: does the message match the  means or method?  Basically, is the chosen approach in agreement with the artist's intention.  

This song indicates that there is a problem with that approach to assessment. Namely, can one be sure of the artist's intention? I ask myself, can one really way away one's life regret? The answer is probably not, although you try the regrets follow you home. So, maybe there is an element of irony here – intended or otherwise. The song is sad and it communicates sadness, not joy. But then the project's name is 'Everything Falls Under.' True.

Every time I visit this artist's page, I'm reminded of a fact that surprises me. He has a very meager number of songs posted. Each one is memorable, each is different, and each is distinctly his. It surprises me chiefly because there is such creativity in his tracks, and this assures me of a fecund imagination. It makes me wonder why there are so few tracks posted. It might be – just guessing – that he holds himself to a high standard and if a song doesn't achieve what he is looking for, it won't see the public. However, the tracks are worth the wait.

“Bonfire in Watercolor” Everything Falls Under – A review (Pt.3) 

I admire the brief grace notes supplied by the guitar. They are like an audio filigree, charming and lovely.

Two last things: Grenon's work always makes me think of a medieval setting. I can feature this being performed in a nobleman's grand hall before a fireplace with dancing light flickering off of stone walls. There is something lute-like about the guitar work. It might just be a personal association, for – truly – what does anyone know for sure about the music played in such places remote in time? Maybe Hollywood has supplied that to me, not sure. 

The final thing is that as I was streaming this track and when the final note came, I was expecting a reprise or follow up. Subsequent streams have left the same impression. During the song there are a few audio caesuras – pauses, and that is probably the structural reason for anticipating more. But emotionally as well, there is a feeling of something left unresolved. Maybe it can't be resolved. Not sure.

Thielus, thank  you for getting back into recording. I wanted to let you know that as you come in the door, I'm going out. I'm 70 years old and my hands often ache, my desire to record is on the wane. Not sure if I will be stopping permanently, but I am taking a break for at least two months. In part, this is because I have a novel brewing in my soul. I'm having a hard time getting back into the writing process, but I feel I should do so. God bless and the Lord give you the solace you seek. I appreciate you, brother.

Bonfire in Watercolor


					

					

						
Bonfire in Watercolor by Everything Falls Under
						

							

								Bonfire in Watercolor - It's the sun mingled with the sea #alternative #Rush #Yes #Romantic #Euphoric Bonfire in Watercolor by Everything Falls Under
							
							
https://soundclick.com/song/15099787
							

						
					
				

(Verse 1)

Alliances of color
Profound
All around us
Surround
With a convoluted nature
I take moods in terms of color
To simplify

(Chorus)

Taking time now with our steps
We walk away all life regret
Seek a world bright painted day
With you here... always

(Musical interlude)

Verdant hill
Emerald climb
Touch the base
Of the sky
Water wall
Down the cracks
Splashing out
On our backs

Sparkling grassy dew
Forest floor
Soaking through

Morning fog
Lush oak trees
Fifty birds
Caroling

(Verse 2)

Bring us back merriment
Frivolity
And mirthful cheeriness
Vivacity
Tears are of sky and water
Blue sun
Orange sea
In sparks
Splash
Ripples under eternity

(Chorus)

Taking time now with our steps
We walk away all life regret
Seek a world bright painted day
With you here... always

---------------------
Real Time Lyrics video:

					
Bonfire in Watercolor
					

				

It's been a while - so here's another, a little tongue-in-cheek this time:

					
Ian Rushton - Pensioner  |  Official Music Video  (GTA inspired)
					

				

PENSIONER 
I’m a pensioner, but I’ve still got the spark
Rockin’ these years like a stroll in the park
Now I’m a pensioner, with the wind at my back
Just ridin’ the days down a well-worn track

Wore too many hats, now I’m hangin’ some up
I used to get swamped, now I just fill my cup
Silver on top, but I’m sharp underneath
Got a laugh in my pocket and time on my feet

I’m a pensioner, but I’ve still got the spark
Rockin’ these years like a stroll in the park
Now I’m a pensioner, with the wind at my back
Just ridin’ the days down a well-worn track

I rise when I’m ready, no schedule to keep
A coffee in hand, still shufflin’ from sleep
Used to call my own shots , now I just call it a day
Kickin’ back easy in the pensioner way

I’ve seen some good days, and I’ve seen some rough
But now I’m feelin' lucky, life’s easy enough
No need to rush, I’ve learned how to wait
The best is yet to come, it’s never too late

I’m a pensioner, but I’ve still got the spark
Rockin’ these years like a stroll in the park
Now I’m a pensioner, with the wind at my back
Just ridin’ the days down a well-worn track

I’m a pensioner, but I’ve still got the spark
Rockin’ these years like a stroll in the park
Now I’m a pensioner, with the wind at my back
Just ridin’ the days down a well-worn track