Cory Hanson, with his band Wand, currently navigates complex terrain—territory that sometimes only Radiohead seems able to unravel. His solo work, on the other hand, is much easier to grasp—though it’s easy to miss the hidden depths here as well. Whether lyrically, where absurd asides obscure deeper emotional insights, or musically, where dramatic flair might suddenly give way to gentle strings.
So it’s no shock that his fourth solo album doesn’t bring major surprises. Much of what’s found on I Love People (Drag City) feels familiar from previous records—or so it seems at first. But once you pull back the heavy velvet curtain, new elements emerge.
A fresh leaning toward understated grandeur, powered by a veritable army of collaborators. Elsewhere, delicate sketches appear—more fragile than ever.
“Santa Claus is Coming Back to Town” in the height of summer? Why not! Gorgeous songs that flirt with Americana, full of empathy. Instant earworms, deep emotion, and just enough oddity.
Hanson is upbeat on “Texas Weather,” then crooning a lullaby on “Old Policemen.” Always the sad clown.
Cory Hanson – I Love People: Elegant folk with many trapdoors. – RIFL