Columbus-based folk musician Dolfish has a style that is solely his. Max Sollisch’s voice is very distinct, as are his irregular rhythms and riffs. I’d Rather Disappear Than Stay The Same, his first ever full-length, is scheduled to be on shelves in late October. “Grown Ups” is the first of 12 tracks on the album. The insanity ensues once vocals kick in on the song because they sound like the ravings of a mad man lyrically and sonically. Underneath that, the music is laid back and folksy, filled with slow acoustic picking.
Unfortunately, after just one tune it becomes difficult to continue on for the duration of the record. “I’d Rather Disappear Than Stay The Same,” the title-track, leans more into the rock direction with an electric guitar and a well-formulated chorus. “Don’t Kick Me While I’m Down” musters up the rock and roll feel once more with a pedal steel element accented by screeching guitars. Random sound effects and weird jokes are played within many songs that do not seem to have any particular relevance to the number on which they appear. Often described as Americana, there is a familiar and naturalistic feel to the guitar strumming featured on the seventh cut, “All That Keeps Us On The Ground.”
On the next track, “Must Be Something Wrong With These Shoes,” the subject matter is tangible and brings up a relatable topic for perhaps the first time on I’d Rather Disappear Than Stay The Same. Nearly every song on this Dolfish album is no more than two minutes in length, which does not allow for the cuts to reach any kind of satisfactory resolution. This record is not cohesive and does nothing to draw a new listener in or maintain a current one.
In A Word: Puzzling
