An album born out of the pandemic, narrating life during that trying time but also simultaneously telling the story of an ancient spirit, formerly human, who returns to Earth after thousands of years by inhabiting the body of a fallen small-town sheriff addicted to his own ager. There’s a flowery energy that’s exuded through the record, a fantastical indie rock energy that harkens to a coming of age type environment and feeling. The washed over vocals, the glistening guitar work, and the rock and roll flair of a masterful power pop group all come blaring through.
McClure’s defining point, his deep vocal performance that’s slightly clouded and washed over gives the album its emotion. He’s so keenly expressive even when he might not sound the most obviously emotive. He’s expressive in his own way, smooth and subtle in the way he’s able to deliver such sumptuous acoustic and electric work throughout. The more seamless and folky pieces like ‘By Proxy, Teeth’ have a vibe in themselves, like a campfire story almost. Others, like ‘Giving Up’ have such a distinctive 90s energy to them that makes you feel innately nostalgic and reminiscent of different times. The entirety of Goodbye Felons has one thing that binds it together — warmth.
Serving as the front-man for the bands The Figurants and Red Kitchen, McClure’s solo project is a welcome addition to his catalogue. It’s far more raw, organic, and from the heart than most indie projects out there. There’s a cohesive story behind his song-writing, and a whole concept behind its overall conception. A masterful record from back to front.