Prayer has always been interesting to me. I'm an atheist, but the idea of putting faith in something unseen has always had a certain romance to it, in my mind. On long as the night, Brandon Decker (recording as “decker.”) sings songs framed as prayers. According to his website, religion is not the point of his songs so I think he also sees the romantic side of such deep suffering.
Decker, out of Sedona, characterizes these songs as “white boy gospel,” and the term fits. On top of the prayer-like aspects (religious images abound, as do pleading vocals), the music pulls from the nascent country and rock found at revival meetings. These songs would fit in at either your bar or your local tent revival.
Long as the night is not a throwaway folk album. I must admit, I was frustrated with the music on first listen. Decker doesn't shy away from serious topics in his songs, and all the lyrics about the meaning of life were just too much for my internet-addled attention-span.
Repeat listens make long as the night really shine. They reveal the Tom Waits jazziness of “Sun, Shine In” and and the Dylan-esque ramble of “Bleedin' Blisters.” The heavy lyrics show their timelessness again and again. The “Lord, light my way” on album opener “Western Hymnal” is as relevant today as it was a hundred years ago.
Decker exorcises demons on this album. Although we may not know their nature, we all know their presence. This purging is something we all face, whether through song, therapy or prayer.
Long as the night is a folk/rock/gospel hybrid with deep roots in the perils of the human condition. With a new EP being released in October, there is sure to be more catharsis on the way.
Don't miss it. We all need a little exorcism once in a while.
