David Harland: “The Escapist” (2024) CD Review

David Harland is a singer, songwriter and guitarist based in Minnesota. While some of his material, such as the songs on his 2019 release Searching For Someday, deal with pain and loss, his new album, The Escapist, provides a release from such things. These days, especially as we near what is shockingly a close election, we seek some sort of escape, some solace, a break. The instrumental tracks on this album are just the thing to help with that, to ease our minds, to give us an opportunity for a break. These are all guitar pieces, original compositions delivered on acoustic guitar. He is joined on certain tracks by Cierra Alise Hill on cello and violin, and by Matt Patrick on electric guitar and percussion.

The album opens with “Ascension,” a pretty and uplifting piece, which makes sense, given its title. The guitar work here suggests we take a breath, look around, and see the beauty of the world. There are moments that offer encouragement too, the guitar seeming to tell us we can we do this, whatever it is we are dealing with in our personal lives. That’s followed by the album’s title track, “The Escapist,” which has perhaps a more serious vibe as it starts, slightly darker tones and a more dramatic sound and structure. But don’t worry, there is nothing discouraging about it. And in the second half, there is a lighter feel, like we’re turning a corner and discovering things are a little easier.

“Fog In The Valley” feels like it takes us on a journey up an old stone staircase out in nature far from any other human structures. We are alone in our work, but are not worried, and rather certain that we will complete this journey, even if it takes us a while to do so. There is a sense of determination here. And at the end, we reach a plateau, and the sun hits our faces, feeling like it is welcoming us, congratulating us. Then with “Last Lament,” we feel we are at home, after a period of sorrow when we have no tears left to shed, and a voice tells us we are not alone, that things will be all right. In the track’s second half, we gain a fresh energy, ready to face the world again if need be. This new energy strengthens us, provides a resolve. Interestingly, it then slows down as it approaches the end, as if there is still some weariness there. Had we been too hasty in our desire to face the world?

“The Lost Lowlands” begins slowly, easing in. This track features some beautiful work from Cierra Alise Hill on strings, delivered with compassion and kindness. There is a friendliness here, a warmth. And if this piece brings tears to our eyes, they are tears of relief. “Sól Seeker” also features the work of Cierra Alise Hill. These days it feels like many of us are seeking the sun, hoping to emerge from darkness. The country itself is in need of it. But this track is on a more individual level, and perhaps it is on that level where the real change is forged. This is a moving piece, with a great beauty. “South Hill Climb” is another beautiful piece, one offering hope and joy. Cierra Alise Hill delivers more wonderful work here, the musicians together creating a beautiful motion to dispel loneliness, to dispel despair. It feels like they can transfer their energy directly to us, that we can join in their movement, in their action. It might be a climb, but we feel it is not a difficult journey now.

“Mourning Song” is a comforting song, which again reaches out to us, reminding us we are not alone. It features pretty work on strings, plus a wonderful theme on guitar, which feels unexpectedly empowering. This is ultimately an uplifting piece. That’s followed by “Descension,” a piece that David Harland is revisiting. It was included on his 2020 album Love In The Underworld (also an instrumental album), though it seems to be perhaps more fitting here, as a companion, or counterpoint, to the album’s lead track, “Ascension.” This rendition features some percussion, not present in the earlier version. The album then concludes with “Sleeping Buddha,” which has a gentle and soothing vibe, the kind of music you want to wrap around yourself, music that shields us from the harsh winds within and without.

CD Track List

1. Ascension
2. The Escapist
3. Fog In The Valley
4. Last Lament
5. The Lost Lowlands
6. Sól Seeker
7. South Hill Climb
8. Mourning Song
9. Descension
10. Sleeping Buddha

The Escapist was released on October 4, 2024.