Location: | Indianapolis, Indiana |
Year(s): | 2015 - Now |
Categorized as: | Americana |
Members: | Craig Helmreich, Marc Ford, Elijah Ford, Jason Slota, Rob Shelton, Kirsten Ford, Braden Core, A. Jack Finklea, Tyler McPherron |
Website: | www.itsjustcraig.com |
Total Request: | 578 (536 downloads, 42 plays) |
Total Request: | 578 (536 downloads, 42 plays) |
About: | A local dude, playing the songs he wrote with his friends. On the albums, those friends include John Vanderslice, Marc Ford, Elijah Ford, Jason Slota, Rob Shelton (and on the album releasing 6/30/17 Jess & Kels Von Strantz). Locally, those friends include anyone willing to jump up. More info at itsjustcraig.com |
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Craig's second studio album, again with help from John Vanderslice, Marc Ford, Elijah Ford, Jason Slota, Rob Shelton, and Jess and Kels Von Strantz. Mastered by Bernie Grundman.
From Paste Magazine:
"Assembled by main players Craig Helmreich, Marc Ford, Elijah Ford, Jason Slota, Rob Shelton and Jess and Kels Von Strantz, “Dark Corners,” marks the second release for the group. An alluring 10-tracks make up the record as the harmonious melodies and poetic lyrics evoke artists such as Ryan Adams. Standout tracks on the album include pieces such as “Alone,” that is laced with piano and delicate features.
Throughout the record each song tells a story, as the songs are shaped around a cargo boat captain and the journey that he embarks on. The album is filled with though-evoking tales and peaceful melodies, which is notable in personal favorites such as “Go.” From beginning to end, It’s Just Craig impresses with “Dark Corners.” It’s rich, haunting and accessible…the best kind of record there can be; a must listen for 2017."
From Modern Fix:
"And while It’s Just Craig gives the impression of a solitary musician, this release has a few notable contributors, most of which recorded on Craig’s previous album, “Blood On The Table”. The band features Marc Ford (Black Crowes/Ben Harper/Magpie Salute) on lead guitar, Elijah Ford on bass, piano, and acoustic and electric guitars, Jason Slota (Thao & the Get Down Stay Down) on drums, Rob Shelton (Meernaa) on synths, and Jess and Kels Von Strantz on background vox and cello.
It is the Rob Shelton organs that weave a lot of the subtle personality behind Craig’s story-like lyrics. (“Siren Sings” stands out with it’s drums/synth heart, made all the more vulnerable by Craig’s soothing vocals.)
The entire release drips with Craig’s soft hush of a voice, brightened on the choruses by sensual female backing vocals. Evidenced on the brooding track, “Goodnight”. Again, utilizing organ sweeps to add some layers of personality to the stripped down approach to crafting a song.
Some professional level production by way of John Vanderslice (Spoon, Death Cab, St. Vincent) and expert mastering from Bernie Grundman (Prince: Purple Rain; Ryan Adams: Heartbreaker Reissue; Pink Floyd Remasters) puts a final polish on this release, resulting in a lush sonic atmosphere. Taking into considering the minimal approach the songs generally embrace, having top level production and mastering allows the sparsely crafted songs to take on a larger presence, leaving the listener with a heavy and somber release."
2015, MRL Indiana LLC DBA The Musician's Record Label
2016, MRL Indiana, LLC,
Lucky Rider from the It's Just Craig performance on Sofar Indianapolis (with Jess and Kelsey Von Strantz from Von Strantz). Full live CD available now.