Here’s a dream pairing to restart the heart of any middle-aged indie-rock fan as Craig Finn, singer of barroom heroes The Hold Steady, enlists The War on Drugs’ Adam Granduciel to produce his sixth solo LP. And ‘Always Been’ is a treat — a brilliant collection of protagonist-focused stories, uncovering one man’s drive for redemption, self-improvement and the act of confession.
Centred around a former-clergyman, Finn has called ‘Always Been’ his “most narrative” record. The warm, mid-tempo Bethany fittingly gets the ball rolling by introducing ex-preacher Clayton, gripping the listener with every fine detail of his fall from grace, before People of Substance introduces some Hold Steady punky grit while he searches for his place in the world.
Similarly, the confessional ballad The Man I’ve always Been has Clayton reflecting on his past lives, picturing his congregation: “All of them so terrified / but none of them as terrified as me.”
Elsewhere, Finn is at his best on the spoken word Fletcher’s. Aided by some lovely psych-infused guitars, it features an engrossing tale set over both a house party and the next morning’s recovery.
Occasionally, there’s a detour from the central premise. Luke and Leanna is upbeat and earwormy, using some peak ‘80s Springsteen organ hooks while revealing the faltering tale of a decade-old relationship.
But while it might be a solo record in name, ‘Always Been’ is nothing without collaboration. Members of War on Drugs gorgeously soundtrack these stories, while Granduciel’s guitar work adds extra depth to proceedings (his solo on Bethany is worth the admission price alone). Sometimes, though, it should go further. Sam Fender’s appearance, fresh from working with Granduciel on ‘People Watching’, is certainly a coup, but his muted backing vocals on Postcards feel like a wasted opportunity considering his current profile.
Finishing on the hopeful, acoustic Shamrock, Finn’s unique style of storytelling endures to the bitter end. ‘Always Been’ is a fascinating record that sucks you to the stories he uncovers, which are well worth dissecting and escaping into.
Craig Finn Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri May 30 2025 - NEW YORK New York - Bowery Ballroom (USA)
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