Victor Villarreal – Alive

It’s been a long time (seven years to be exact) since the world has heard from Victor Villarreal (of Cap’n Jazz, Ghosts and Vodka, Owls) but he is (at least sorta) back and has a new solo album called Alive. It’s an album that features mostly just acoustic guitar and Villarreal’s own voice. In fact, it is Villarreal’s first time being a vocalist and it really sounds/feels like an emotional release for him. The album is not nearly as frenetic as I first expected, but that makes sense. Alive is a beautiful and poignant tribute/remembrance/testament to Villarreal’s late brother Carlo who died of a heroin overdose in early 2007. Initially, the songs weren’t going to be released to more than Villarreal’s family, but there was enough interest in the songs that he decided to self-release the album for anyone to hear. Villarreal’s performances on Alive are powerful yet subdued both musically and vocally and (at times) reminds me of some of Daniel Littleton’s solo work and his work with Ida. It’s a heartfelt and honest album that is not what I expected but even better. You won’t find a more moving album released this year.
MP3:
Victor Villarreal - Don't You Know Who (I Think) I Am
Victor Villarreal - You Are Worth It