Curtis McMurtry - The Pollen & The Rot (2024)

Austin-based artist Curtis McMurtry unleashes a gripping sound on his new album The Pollen & The Rot, melding folk and Americana intrigue — enthralling from the twangy orchestral expanse of “You-niverse” to murkier folk fascinations like “Don’t Be Surprised.” The album represents the first of four upcoming albums from McMurtry that take inspiration from the seasons; this release explores springtime. “If springtime were a group of people, they would be impatient, horny and brutal,” McMurtry explains, hinting at the characters apparent in the songs ahead — from the greed-filled monster within “Last in Line” to the battle against close-mindedness within “You-niverse.”

A range of highlights show throughout the album. “You-niverse” is among them, enamoring with its laid-back jazzy guitar breezes and slight percussion. “Free yourself,” a multi-layered vocal warmness begins, as string-laden flourishes send chills alongside; the track is exemplary of McMurty’s knack for melodically gripping structural developments, spanning from folk-set introspection to orchestral-laden expanses. “Last in Line” also dazzles in its string infusions, though set against a more deliciously ominous intrigue. “Everything I desire painted gold,” and other ruminations on want/desire resonate within ardent vocal enjoinments and a southern-rock intrigue.

The album’s 14 tracks engage in their various personalities, accomplishing such in concise form; many of the tracks span two or three minutes. “Don’t Be Surprised” shows a Tom Waits-esque wooziness, while finale “In the Dirt” struts a nocturnal folk soundscape within cricket-chirping and somber string infusions. The Pollen & The Rot delivers a consistent realm of quality songwriting from Curtis McMurtry.