Sufjan Stevens – All Delighted People EP
Self-released: 2010
It’s been a minute since Sufjan Stevens resonated the indie world with his classical-folk fusion art-rock. But with the All Delighted People EP – and the announcement of a forthcoming full length effort to be released in October – Stevens’ fans are rewarded for keeping faith. The tracks on the EP are some of his most mature, complex and impressive to date.
The All Delighted People EP revolves around two versions of the title track, both sprawling opuses that lyrically pay homage to Simon & Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence”. Opening with an angelic choir of backing vocals, Stevens’ nimble vocals shine clear as a bell. He sounds earnest, honest and vulnerable, but the song builds into uplifting confidence. The track seamlessly alternates between dissonant guitar fuzz and tender finger picking; heavy-footed brass and uplifting choirs; all set amidst Simon’s lyrics and Stevens’ able singing. If it sounds like a lot, it is. The track clocks in at 11 minutes, 38 seconds.
The “classic rock” alternate version of the title track runs a brisk eight minutes, nine seconds and the last song (“Djohariah”) on the eight-song effort is more than 17 minutes long. Certainly not a release for the attention-deficit afflicted fan. But the running times should not be seen as hindrances to enjoyment. Stevens uses all of the time well, telling complex musical stories in all his expansive, multi-instrumented glory.
There are playful divergences here, too. “Heirloom” is a breezy barroom waltz that glides on an acoustic guitar. “From the Mouth of Gabriel” is a beautiful hymn that returns to Stevens’ oft-frequented subject of faith. Amidst tick-tocking keys and laser-sounding synths, the vocals soar in profound, personal directions. The two tracks set against each other provide a shifty one-two punch of fleet-footed musicality. By the time are whisked through the first seven minutes of the enthralling “Djohariah”, an engulfing, emotional tribute to single mothers, it’s evident you’re in more than capable hands.
All Delighted People serves its purpose well. Stevens’ fans now have more quality music to digest and appetite is piqued for the full album in October.
4 out of 5
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