Sean Gunner Lee : Billie Rude, I Loved You

I think a big reason people will like Sean Gunner Lee‘s second full length is that it presents itself directly. There’s a distinct narrative that lives through different styles of songs. It’s a soundtrack of a snapshot of time.

Billie Rude, I Loved You does a lot of things. And some are successful while others kind of come and go. “Swimming Laps” is the first song on the album. For a new listener, “Swimming Laps” asks a lot. The song is an introduction that could have been better used as a mid-album break. “Billie Rude” is the first hook. And the song captures a distinct nostalgia. The composition is a mixture of indie and alternative rock with the emotions of a ballad. This will definitely be the song that most people will attach to.

“Atlanta” is in the same sphere as “Billie Rude.” But this time it infuses some folk within the main melodies. The slightly off-tune vocals help capture idealistic energy. “Hunting Deer” is the song I think Sean Gunner Lee shows more of his potential. The composition is tighter than the previous songs.

“Television’s Gone Now” is the “standard” rock song. It can remind you of late 90s alternative rock. The keyboards are the outlier in the song. It’s a strong song for the middle of Billie Rude, I Loved You. “Toy Factory” is the mid-album transition song. From here, the album starts the slow burn to the end.

“Call Me, Elaine” is a darker, moodier track that brings in some theatrical tones layered on top of the core alternative rock sound. Listening through the songs, Sean Gunner Lee creates dense music that sounds simple on the surface. The multiple instruments and layers draw you in.

“Sun Down, Pt. 2” takes a small step into the light. The track is a little moodier with an edge of hopefulness. And if you wanted a stock alternative rock song, “Saul Bloom” is perfect. Sean Gunner Lee likely is challenging himself to compose something bigger than expected alternative rock songs, but the song is very solid. The outro, “Carcinoma,” is a step forward from “Swimming Laps” and “Toy Factory.” In terms of the album, three of these transition songs are a little too many.

After listening to a full music statement from Sean Gunner Lee, it’s clear he’s a solid artist with a distinct perspective. I do think he dwells in specific compositions a little too much and pulls the listener in with him. The flow of Billie Rude, I Loved You is a peak down into a valley with a small midline escape.