Rockin’ Our Turntable: Musikanto

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on May 5, 2011 7:40PM

We’ve been crushin’ on Musikanto since the release of his debut album, Ghost Pain, back in 2009.The local folk singer/songwriter proved his knack for heartstring-tugging balladry, blending warm, melancholic vocals with lively, often jangly melodies. Since then, he’s been playing mostly local shows and, in the past few months, crafting his stunning sophomore effort, Sky Of Dresses.

As with Musikanto’s debut album, the songs in Sky of Dresses rely heavily on the same elements - strummed acoustic guitar, piano, and Musikanto’s worn and soulful croon. But each song narrates a different story and maintains its own, distinct character. Take for instance, the “oh, my my” nonchalance of “Awful Mind” or the simplicity and sincerity of “Blues for Momma.” The result is an 11-song album that plays like a compilation of short stories about love and loss.

No doubt the album’s highlight is “Ballad of Two Vultures.” It adds some extra soul with wailing harmonica and feminine, faraway backup vocals. On the other hand, the album’s greatest weakness is the penultimate “My Heart Won’t Bleed Anymore,” a lackluster breakup song that leans too far toward the cheesy, emotional side. But for the most part, the album avoids excessive cheese, and it closes strong with “False Wind,” featuring graceful violin and vividly sung lyrics about returning home.

You can experience Sky of Dresses in person at the record release show this Saturday at the Hideout. Musikanto headlines, accompanied by opener Will Phalen, a Milwaukee folk rocker who will be debuting his new solo act. But if you can’t make the record release show, you can also catch Musikanto Saturday afternoon when he plays an in-store performance at Reckless Records. In the meantime, check out this video taste of what to expect.

Musikanto’s Record Release Show is Saturday, May 7, at the Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia, 9 p.m., $8, 21+