Upon the untimely death of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Richard Swift this past July, his family announced that he had been working a new album – The Hex – due to be released in November. However, label Secretly Canadian issued a surprise digital release of The Hex on September 21 (with all other formats out in December), making The Hex Swift’s first full-length solo album since 2009’s The Atlantic Ocean. The Hex is playful and confident while at times haunting and melancholy. Swift is unflinchingly honest in this flawlessly arranged and produced final album, showcasing his long-established penchant for old soul and R&B, vintage pop, fuzzed-out rock ‘n roll and intricately layered sounds. Album highlights include: the fuzzed out Motown vibed “Broken Finger Blues”; the jaunty piano-pop of “Dirty Jim”; a love song to Swift’s mother ala ‘60s doo-wop, “Wendy”; the psych-rock-meets-soul track and ode to his sibling, “Sister Song”; the epic David Bowie-esque “Nancy”; and the soft, piano-driven closing track “Sept20.” May Richard Swift’s troubled spirit rest in peace; The Hex is a fitting bookend to Swift’s legacy as both as a talented musician and producer. – Written by JFelton
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