Kenley Young - Seneca Guns

Kenley Young

Seneca Guns
self-released;2016

​3.7 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Kenley Young is no newcomer to music. Young has shared the stage with a number of notable artists over the years including Mike Watt, Sarah Lee Guthrie, Johnny Irion and many more. According to his Bandcamp page he has been releasing music since 2000. His latest is entitled Seneca Guns.

The album fits into the pop/rock category. I have to admit his music had a commercial viability to it that you might hear on the radio. The album is full of palatable melodies which are easy on the ears and that would be embraced by a large demographic rather than a niche. 

He opens with “Mia’s Field” which is one of the more notable songs on the album. It has a bit of ’90s alternative vibe. Young mentions Toad the Wet Sprocket as one of his influences and I  thought that was noticeable within the music. I have to admit his lyrics were more poetic and ambiguous than I thought they would be. He sings, “I cling to levees, pumps and dunes--A plot of slag. My whole backyard’s an alien moon, With a foreign flag.”

I can say that the first song is indicative of what else you can expect moving forward. The songs are torn from the same cloth. “Burn and Fade” is a straightforward rocker revolving around a powerful chorus and memorable melodies while “Firefighting” moves a slower yet just as enjoyable pace. 

“No Good to Me in Pieces” and “Duessa” are both single-worthy songs. He closes with my personal favorite song “In Front of the Choir.” I really loved the standup bass, drums and his vocals on this song.

​Seneca Guns isn’t a particularly challenging or innovative album but it displays solid songwriting and delivery. Recommended.

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