Bill MacKay has mastered the art of collaboration, working with artists across the musical spectrum. He moves like a musical apparition, appearing seemingly out of thin air to lend his guitar prowess to folk just as much as psychedelic rock. There comes a time when every artist feels the need to step out on their own; now is MacKay’s time. Locust Land is the imaginative solo LP from the singer/songwriter/guitarist that transforms his artistry right before your eyes. These nine songs represent more than an established artist venturing into new territory; they are a love letter to evolving and adapting. As a frequent flier in other people’s sonic worlds, MacKay created a project that subtly injects his poetic worldview into honed and complex arrangements. Locust Land is a place MacKay can call home, welcoming us in with open arms.
MacKay was never one for complacency. His discography bounces from folk-infused jazz to avant-garde rock. On his latest solo effort, his sonic world is finally at peace. He delivers the consistency of a concept album without forcing a narrative down our throats. The album slides into warping instrumentals only moments after a touching acoustic ballad delivers vivid imagery in a gentle means. Locust Land is less of a location and more of a mindset. The artist combined the urgency of modern times with space-age relaxation for the sonic equivalent of escapism. MacKay isn’t running from anything, though. He is stubbornly present, creating an atmosphere of heavy emotions and learning to navigate them.
Locust Land goes by in the blink of an eye while still leaving the listener fulfilled. At only nine songs, MacKay miraculously never sounds rushed. His poetry falls out of his mouth with ease and serenity despite the sentiment being anything but. There is a sense of longing in his voice. He writes with a vagueness, just enough for us to connect our own dots while still delivering personal truths. A song like “Keeping In Time” details a lost lover with stunning imagery, and “Half of You” delicately finds peace in loneliness. While his words are palpable, The emotional depth of this album comes from the instrumentation. Unlike other albums that reach this level of consistency, the arrangements drive the narrative while also being the catalyst for dramatic sonic shifts.
MacKay’s guitar playing has always been the focal point of his artistry, and his true range shines on Locust Land. The instrumental tracks harken back to the artist’s experience in psychedelic rock while pushing the boundaries of his musicianship to their limits. “Radiator” provides a desperado-style anthem with fuzzy chords and relaxed tempos, while the title track is pure acoustic bliss. Therein lies the magic of Locust Land. MacKay is able to convey so much with his approach to simplicity. On the surface, these nine songs are lovely guitar-driven ballads that form a relaxing instrumental album to listen to while cooking or working. Underneath it all is an artist whose head is spinning with thoughts and confusion, attempting to simplify the complexity of love and relationships through the art of simplifying.
Locust Land is a quick yet sprawling look into the freedom a solo album can offer. While MacKay is far from restrained on his collaborative efforts, his ability to craft his sonic narratives is equally, if not more, miraculous.
