Review: Langhorne Slim's Easygoing 'Be Set Free'

Sean Scolnick, from Langhorne, PA, performs in the guise of his alt/Americana persona, Langhorne Slim, a gospel-infused New England style folk that has won him acclaim from NPR and much attention at the Newport Folk Festival. It’s not altogether clear how winkingly he marries his tortured lyrics to rollicking melodies. Neither it is easy to tell how straight-faced Scolnick—a classically trained musician—is when donning his modern rake act, complete with cutoff jean shorts and a bowler hat.

What is certain is what a good match Langhorne Slim’s sound was for the soundtrack of the film “Waitress.” Both have a hammy, young, unfussy feel and an unapologetic folksy aesthetic. This is why Langhorne Slim is at his best in his warm Wurlitzer tracks such as “Diamonds and Gold,” off his self-titled album, or showing off his penchant for inventive instrumentation such as cello, bells, tuba, and accordion.

His nasal voice simply isn’t strong enough to carry the blues or gospel nods he so often attempts on his new album, Be Set Free, which releases September 29th. Its highlights are rather the neo-folk ballad “I Love You, But Goodbye,” and the standard but rousing chorus of “Say Yes,” which as a barstool sing-a-long naturally accommodates his ragged vocals and country appeal and is currently making cameo song-of-the-day appearances on radio stations around the country. Be Set Free is not Langhorne slim’s most inventive album, but it is one that we expect to further widen his audience.