Brand new album from Ian Hinkley

Hailing from the Bay Area, Ian Hinkley has been a staple of Northern California’s indie rock scene for over two decades. Known for his energetic performances and role as a bandleader in acts like Cavemen, Paulie Hips and the Childbearers and The Shakedown Choir, Ian has earned a reputation for bringing pure passion and creativity to every stage he plays.

More recently stepping out as a solo artist, he’s redefined his sound, bringing to life his own musical vision as a singer-songwriter and producer. Capturing his solo sonic output in the studio, he began recording his original material during the pandemic, producing music in his garage where he eschewed the high-octane aesthetics of his punk and rock background, this time leaning into a more stripped back, lo-fi folk vibe.

Unveiling his unique sound in 2022, he released his debut solo album Guy Wonder, which he followed up with the single “The Werewolf Shake” last year. Now he returns with his latest outing, bringing us his brand new sophomore full-length record titled The Last Cool Summer. This new album album distils Ian’s voice and vision in a way that feels truly authentic; recorded with a Shure SM58 microphone in a series of one-take sessions, the album’s minimal production enhances its emotional impact, allowing Ian’s storytelling to shine on each of the nine tracks which float between moments of joy found in revisiting the past and the discomfort of stepping into an uncertain future.

Opened by “Forward Evolution,” the soft swirl of fluttering textures, gentle chimes and warm bass notes set a mesmeric scene of laid atmosphere and laid back energy. Flowing with bright piano notes, Ian’s tender vocals arrive in the final moments to add delicate melodic lines carrying picture painting lyrics, resulting in an immersive progressive folk outing.

“Sleeping Sack” follows with acoustic guitar plucks and mellow vocal leads, crafting an intimate indie folk jam full of memorable melodic writing and storytelling lyricism. With “Tracking Tides,” the shuffle of dusty drums is met with a blend of organic country arrangement and colourful instrumental pips as Ian’s hushed voice drifts through the spacey soundscape, capturing his highly original sound in a subtly experimental setting.

Other highlights on the album include songs like “The Tyrants” where muted clean guitar notes tumble before the lively patter of snapping drums injects a uptempo energy. With emotive vocal delivery adding a tinge of haunting aesthetic, his compelling melodic writing serves up an engaging listening experience while the track builds with fuzzy guitar textures and stretched organ tones to forge a superb folk rock jam. Closing the record with “Inside Your Suitcase,” airy organ and warm acoustic guitar strums combine with piano to create an elegant backdrop for Ian’s heartfelt writing to deliver one final moment of his charming sound on this stellar new alternative folk album from an artist who continues to impress on his enduring musical adventure.

Listen to The Last Cool Summer below