Felix Hatfield is an artist, filmmaker and musician. ‘False God’, his debut solo album, finds him compiling a collection of songs taken from a vault of over five hundred he has written and archived. Recorded in his basement, the first thing the listener will notice about Hatfield’s work is that it is impossible to pin him down to any one genre. As an artist used to mixing colours to achieve the best results, he cleverly lays out his pallet with jazz, Americana, and folk music to great result.
Hatfield’s laid back vocal style adds a weariness to his music that compliments and gives a timeless edge to his song writing. Often his lyrics have a duality to them as is evident on songs such as ‘Sick With The Flu’. Is it about relationships or about the current COVID-19 pandemic or both? In a similar fashion, ‘False God’ appears to criticism of Donald Trump, but once again, could it also be another relationship-based song? The ethereal ‘Unicorn Woman’ has all the qualities of a surrealist fairy tale.
‘Crazy Love’ depicts the tale of a fallen rock idol and has all the feel of a Neil Young penned composition. The protagonist in ‘Crazy Days’ is seen looking backward at the deeds and misdemeanours of youth, while ‘Nobody for Me’ is a whimsical tale of travelling life on the road. ‘Troubled Person’ has an Appalachian feel and finds Hatfield offering consolation based on recognition of his own issues.
There is a beautiful ambiguity to Hatfield’s music. Styles refuse to be defined and creative wordplay means that his lyrics conjure up multiple imageries in the mind of the listener. Yet all through the album, there is a comforting familiarity about the music, almost like meeting up with an old friend after years apart. Indeed, his music will and should speak to many if it gets the chance it deserves.
Featuring a creative combination of musical genres overlaid with surrealist lyrics, ‘False God’ is an infectious listen that intrigues, delights, and leaves the listener wanting more.