If it can be said that some people just write consistently excellent music then it can subsequently be said that Ian Cook is one of those people, hands down. Ian Cook and the Brightest Light is yet another iteration of the Oregon native’s ever growing catalog of auditorily eloquent musical endeavors. His always engaging, lightning fast, oft times vaudevillian stylings make Larry and His Flask and Woebegone slap like a pair of 30 lb chinooks, song after song after song. Ian Cook and the Brightest Light is no different in that respect. What sets it apart is how personal this album feels. It’s quite a big step outside what he’s known for but it isn’t jarring, it’s just.. refreshing. Reflective and poignant vocals coupled with verdant instrumentation make this solo album feel like a journey through time; past, present and future. I hear the spirit of a lot of music we all undoubtedly grew up listening to making it’s presence known in these tracks. Swim through synth and flowing vocal harmonies marked by punchy rhythms as acoustic and electric guitars mingle expertly throughout.