Miighty Flashlight

Recorded completely on his home computer, the ten-track debut from Mike Fellows' Miighty Flashlight is an acoustic-themed exodus that includes blipping beats, spacey noises, and the former Rites of Spring bassist doing his best Will Oldham impression. It's actually quite reminiscent of Beck's One Foot in the Grave era, but it's less showy of its obvious country roots while at the same time making clear Fellow's long association with artists on the Drag City label. The self-titled disc is a stripped-down and rebuilt affair that includes short and enticing instrumental numbers along with folky vocal tracks and arguably nonsensical lyrics. Miighty Flashlight is a completely American record, and while it doesn't fall into any of the already established genres with its combination of acoustic folk and programmed grooves, it is still commendable for its originality and recognizable honesty. This is an amazing debut for Fellows, and with any luck it will only be the first in a series of impressive creations from Miighty Flashlight. The singer has spent long years in the studio and on the road, but with this daring move into the spotlight he should be able to convince quite a few listeners that he is finally right where he belongs. ~ Peter J. D'Angelo, Rovi