Frank Hurricane :: Southern Shrymp (In the Big City)
Cover Art: Elizabeth Downing
Photo: Eric Brehm
Like a flying saucer, or UAP, as they’d prefer you to call them these days, flying across the melodic mountains of the southern sky’s spiritual sunset, a radical force of energy echoes from the cosmic clouds like a howling hero. Its voice vibrates the tops of trees as they skillfully shake their ancient leaves covering the ground just below. From the earth’s elemental ecosystem, this sophisticated shadow of a poetic presence stands tall: the Philly-based songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, roller coaster enthusiast, and soulful soothsayer Frank Hurricane awakens from a deep spiritual slumber only to reveal his latest effort, “Southern Shrymp (In The Big City)” in all its gravitational glory. A spellbinding effort that effortlessly conveys the electrifying essence and irresistible intimacy of Hurricane’s love for fun, atmospheric adrenaline, and academic anticipation of that revolutionary rush from a nearby theme park, the songwriter has eagerly expanded his cosmic catalog since the release of 2016’s Mystra Records debut, “Pymp World”, and shows no signs of letting off that galactical gas anytime soon. Recorded and produced by Hunter Davidsohn, mastered by Mikey Young, and featuring a cool collective of musicians like Hunter Davidsohn (guitars, keys, bass, drums/percussion, backing vocals, organs), Jon "Catfish" Delorme (pedal steel), Zoie Reamer (vocals on “Taylor & Rhonda”), and Kailey Rocker (vocals on “Addicted to Thrills”), the album’s overall output oozes with a natural response to the world, and all its brilliant beauty despite the chaos brought on by those in power.
Photo: Eric Brehm
While pushing the boundaries of folk music and what that ultimately represents to a world that has been gifted with the poetic privilege and harmonious honor of legends like Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Buffett, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and several others, Hurricane’s alchemical approach to his craft may seem like it’s worlds away from these giants, and their individual impact, but it’s all the same if your third ear is close enough to the ground. Hurricane’s artistic ability and downright playful prowess while approaching music are just as compelling as the comic strip sing-alongs of Daniel Johnston, the island intensity of Hawaiian legend Bobby Brown, or the cultural impact of the Chicago-based duo Souled American, but what his songbook carefully communicates in particular is that sudden rush of extraterrestrial endorphins you often get after a full day at the amusement park with your closest friends on a righteous weekend bender. “Southern Shrymp (In The Big City)” is an excellent expedition into the wild world Hurricane has created over the last decade and a half. With each installment seeking more spiritual schooling, liberating language, and freedom of creative choice, there may be hope for us after all. Set for release in late March on the Half Moon Bay, California-based label Nudie Records, followed by an epic run of shows this spring and summer.
