Greg Freeman - All Set The Bone (2026)
An interesting mix of indie rock, alt-country and noisy experimentation, with plenty of personality and some good ideas, but an album that feels a little too long and unfocused.
All Set The Bone takes Greg Freeman's sound in a more adventurous direction, with heavier guitars, unpredictable arrangements and songs that move between intimate folk-rock passages and noisy, almost chaotic sections. John Congleton's production gives the album a rough and sometimes abrasive character that generally works well.
“Marooned” is my favourite track. I particularly enjoy the way it develops from a relatively simple folk-rock arrangement into something much more intense, with violins, distorted guitars and some interesting changes in atmosphere. It's one of the moments where the experimental approach genuinely improves the song.
“Totaled” is another good track, with energetic guitars and shifting rhythms, while “Hail Mary” works well because of the contrast between its quiet introduction and explosive second half. “Cahokia” is an effective opener, although not every song maintains that level of interest.
Freeman's voice is distinctive, with a rough and sometimes almost desperate delivery that gives the music a lot of character. The lyrics are also interesting, full of unusual images and observations. But I sometimes find the vocals a little tiring, particularly when the arrangements become equally chaotic.
My main problem is that the album contains too many ideas without always turning them into strong songs. Some passages feel unnecessarily complicated, the melodies aren't consistently memorable, and the running time makes the weaker moments more noticeable.
There's enough personality and creativity here to keep things interesting, and I appreciate the willingness to experiment. But I find myself admiring individual passages more than enjoying the album as a whole.
63/100
❤️ Favourite track: “Marooned”
+ Distinctive personality and expressive vocals
+ Interesting arrangements and dynamic contrasts
+ Some genuinely strong atmospheric moments
– Too long and occasionally unfocused
– Rough vocals can become tiring
– Not enough memorable melodies or complete songs
Genre: Indie Rock
Country: US
Final Verdict: 63% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 467th / 738
Highlight: Marooned
Made me think of:
MJ Lenderman
Wednesday
Wilco
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