Nashville-based artist Ray Curenton immerses on Ripples of the Past, an affecting album that melds acoustic textures and gently layered harmonies to create a spacious, meditative listening experience with folk and soul intertwining. Structured in three acts — Age of Minority, Age of Maturity, and Age of Majority — the album traverses the evolution of memory, identity, and personal growth.
As Curenton explains: “I wanted to create a sonic space where reflection and emotion could coexist, where listeners feel both seen and soothed.”
A tender sound shines on opening track “Of Framingham.” An initial vocal sample shows a warm, affectionate interaction with a child as they awaken. Curenton’s soothing vocal introspection and lush acoustic-forward sound shines thereafter, accompanied by soul-searching lyricism. “Like the right book from a shelf / Always looking for myself / But does myself ever find me?” Curenton asks, capturing the seeking of identity while also wondering if it will ever be truly discovered. The ensuing “Ground Zero” also hearkens to childhood, here within a textured array of guitars and vocal harmonies; the songwriting consumes in conveying how even the earliest impressions can shape the self.
The introspective, personal journey continues in audible form as the gorgeous “Happiness” arrives — where soft acoustics and bird-chirping make for a natural entrancement as lovely backing vocal harmonies infuse. The lyrics suggest a hope for deeper acceptance and healing: “May truth and wisdom advise with grace / Directing you to happiness.” This feels representative of personal maturity, wishing for others a positive outlook, as one would for themselves. Elsewhere, “Ripples of the Past” is another striking piece of songwriting — swelling with a sense of lineage and continuity, reminding that we are tethered to the struggles and triumphs of those before us. Acoustics and organs intertwine blissfully within.
With its carefully constructed three-act journey, rich production, and enveloping folk stylings, Ripples of the Past is a thorough success from Ray Curenton.
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“Is That Alright?” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Folk.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
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