Vista House is one of the projects of Tim Howe, singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from Portland, Oregon, with an ever-evolving cast of characters in support. Since 2016 he’s been releasing interesting EPs, with telling titles like Definitely Something and Probably Nothing (and tracks like Vista House, Viista House and Viiista House), but his full-length album Oregon III is considerably richer and warmer than that previous output, although some songs were already written 10 years ago. I’d describe this music as a mishmash of folk, roots rock, power pop and psychedelia, but Howe himself calls it “dad rock sans child” and that’s fine with me too. The nine tunes here – varied in terms of tempo and orchestration, but thematically fitting together (leaving, returning, staying put) – intrigue me more than they probably should, but I really enjoy the wholehearted vocals, quirky lyrics, guitar outbursts, woo-hoo sing-alongs, and even the cinematic interludes. Vista House enthralls.
Oregon III is out now digitally and on cassette through Anything Bagel.
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