Felix Bechtolsheimer dealt with more death and tragedy in 2021 than just about anyone. And he recorded another Curse of Lono album. The two are, of course, intertwined.

Curse of Lono People in Cars (self-released)

I've never been able to completely place Curse of Lono musically, which is one of the reasons I like the band. This album is more ruminative than the first two (see above), but it's not mopey or maudlin. Kinda like the blues, listening to these songs can be a bit harrowing, but the resulting catharsis is wonderful.

Curse of Lono tends to nestle into a sweet spot between Lou Reed and Dire Straits, with a touch of roosty prog here and there. The songs take their time, unfolding at whatever pace suits the subject. They tend to end on rising notes, despite the dark material.

Which means this is kinda optimistic, I guess. I don't think Bechtolsheimer is channeling a trite "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" vibe. Rather, I think he's saying that life goes on, period. And if you're alive, you should live. And maybe listen to a Curse of Lono album or two. That last bit is always a good idea.

Jon Worley