If you like a good groove full of soul, then you’ve got to know Austin-based singer-songwriter Lew Apollo. His vocals — layered with reverb and echo — melt like butter over smooth basslines, keys, and acoustic guitar. A mixture of R&B with a funk twist, Apollo has quickly risen in his local markets, now ready to take on a global following with his debut full-length, Fool’s Gold.
Out now on all digital outlets, Fool’s Gold is like reading pages out of Apollo’s journal, detailing the limitless love he has to offer another while learning how to love himself as he finds his place in the world. The album kicks off with “No Room In Hell” — a song about chasing and cherishing a partner worth all the “silver and gold”. Ethereal like a Tame Impala song, this upbeat gem uplifts listeners right out the gate.
But not everything that glitters is gold.
The title track follows, with the more solemn subject of being lost in a world full false prophets and promises. Disillusionment follows Apollo around as he wonders “how’d it begin // when I lost my soul”… when “demons” are all that you see, who can you trust? With soft female vocals backing Apollo’s trepidation, the blow is a bit softened, letting you root for the man to pull himself out of his woes and get onto better days.
And better days do come, right after he learns to “Let The Light In”. With a funky bass thumping away in the background, it’s time for Apollo to draw back the shades; his mentality has been dark and brooding for too long. Life can be “Sweeter”, as in the case of track four and the lead single off the album, “Diamonds and Gold”, posited as track six.
The album comments on the labors of love all the way up to the finale, “Feeling Ok”.
Backed only by acoustic guitar, Apollo languishes in the fact that life isn’t (and can never be) perfect — but he “gets by”, one day at a time. No matter the amount of love you have for yourself and others, there is still the weight of the world to wrestle with on a daily basis. It’s okay to feel just “okay”… as long as you keep the mantra that ‘this too shall pass’. Intimate and inconspicuously emotive, this final track breaks away from the rest of the boogie-infused LP, letting the listener crescendo nicely with Apollo’s personal thoughts on his own progress.
This subtle, yet bold concept album is a smash hit for Lew Apollo, now available via vinyl and digital outlets. With so much self-exploration wrapped around a disco beat, what’s not to love? Check out Fool’s Gold today!
Lew Apollo – “Die For You”
Track listing:
- No Room In Hell
- Fool’s Gold
- Let The Light In
- Sweeter
- Lost In You
- Diamonds And Gold
- Addicted
- Die For You
- Feeling Ok
Stream ‘Fool’s Gold’ album:
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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