Sunlight in Architecture’
by Sunlight in Architecture

The project hatched in 2005, when singer-songwriter Garrett Soucy began filtering his minimal indie folk tunes through the practiced ear of producer Andrew Luckless. For over a decade, Soucy has served as front man for Maine-based band Tree by Leaf, and he brings a similar style to Sunlight in Architecture’s self-titled debut. Luckless, himself a singer-songwriter best known for his 1999 album, “Laundryfish,” fine-tunes the sound, and the two combine for a refreshingly original and stimulating disc.


Released earlier this year under Tree by Leaf’s host label, Long Ago Light, “Sunlight in Architecture” is an album worthy of repeated listens. Soucy’s songwriting blends equal shares of thoughtful lyrics and creative instrumentation that make each track equally delightful. No two songs sound exactly alike, and yet there is a cohesive feeling that runs through all 10 chapters of the album. Although the words are not always bright and cheery, a line from the second track, “Overstate the Obvious,” essentially sums up the overarching mood: “I’m not stoned, I swear to God, I’m just high on life,” Soucy moans in a voice vaguely reminiscent of Bright Eyes’ front man Conor Oberst.


The album is filled with shades of bluegrass, folk, emo and Americana. A highlight comes late in the disc with “Branching From the Stalk.” The bluegrassy tune jangles along with heartfelt harmony decorated by screechy noises—either human or animal—that somehow both contradict and complement the melody. Visit www.sunlightinarchitecture.com or www.myspace.com/sunlightinarchitecture.


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