
Chicago based singer-songwriter Sacha Mullin released ‘Casino Wilderness Period’ late last year, 8 tracks of soulful odes and vocal somersaults. The album was produced by U.S. Maple member and well known Chicagoan Todd Rittmann. Mullin’s third solo LP begins with ‘Arranging Flowers’, a tune melding the energies of smooth, soft jazz and 70s glam rock theatrical vocals. The timing is unique, keeping you hooked wondering what’s around the next corner. Fans of Queen, the musical “Hair“, and Michael Bolton will hastily add ‘Arranging Flowers’ to their playlists. ‘Waves’ again has 70s vibes but more reminiscent of disco than glam, and Mullin’s particular melding of older sounds into an innovative package is in the same vein as Chet Faker’s ‘Built On Glass’ and Adam Lambert’s ‘Velvet’ LP. ‘Thanks.’ and ‘Neptune in the Snow’ take on a slower energy, made for contemplation and less singing along, whereas ‘Margaret’ raises the trajectory of the album in another pop crest. ‘Fiberglass’ and ‘Telepathy’ both lean further into the adult contemporary aura, making for sweet, longingly composed tracks that let Sacha Mullin showcase his vocal gymnastics. ‘Telepathy’ particularly strikes a romantic chord, filled with relational angst and insecurities. ‘Fiberglass’ features wonderfully timed backing vocals from Emily Bindiger, and while on the subject of backing vocals – throughout the entirety of the album Bindiger, Judi Vinar, Mem Nahadr, and Annmarie Cullen provide flawless complementation to Sacha Mullin’s angelic vocals. Not overshadowing, but executed in such a way to be a lovely noticeable addition.
Top tracks: ‘Arranging Flowers’, ‘Waves’, and ‘Margaret’, having pop sensibilities and easy accessibility. ‘Casino Wilderness Period’ has broad appeal, with something to be enjoyed for everyone from a young brooding rock lover to an old theatre aficionado. The LP is perfect for a Sunday morning to gently ease yourself into the day – but don’t box yourself in! Put it on today and check it out.
Sarah Medeiros