Engaging across his deeply personal album Let Me Be, MICHAEL PAUL BINZ fuses grunge-era grit with rock and folk allure, rounded out by a fearless lyrical prowess. Originally a wind instrument player and saxophonist in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Binz pivoted to the guitar as the ’90s alternative scene exploded, eventually crafting a multi-instrumental sound that channels the raw emotional depth of his early influences like Nirvana and Radiohead. The result is a memorable collection of songwriting that serves as a candid reflection on personal transitions and the beauty of forging a unique sonic path.

Amongst the album’s many standouts, “MIGHT BE” pairs gripping vocal vulnerabilities with a steadily unveiling sound — bolstered by both subdued acoustic strums and later electric guitar adornments. “Would it be alright if I told you my name?” Binz’s vocals let out, warming with its “damn glad to meet you” sentiments as mellow keys integrate seamlessly. The culminating title-bearing punctuation resonates amidst hazy guitar tones. Also excelling with its introspective edge, “CHAINS OF MALICE” conveys a more melancholic contemplation — its “you turned me away / how could I have trusted you?” lyricism stirring into a distortion-friendly buzzing. The album envelops with its personal charm throughout, from the salutations within “MIGHT BE” to the heart-on-sleeve outpourings of “CHAINS OF MALICE.”

Another standout track, “BRAINWAVES” captivates with a clear sense of momentum — driving from synth-touched, spacey intrigue into a pulsing rock guitar addition. The one-minute turn delights especially in its interplay of guitar and synths, the latter projecting a vibrant arpeggiated amiability. Album finale “WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?” excels as well, its perspectives of personal change pairing with questioning ferocity as a cohesive balance of twinkling piano and murky guitars builds with hooky appeal into the cathartic “release me” refrain. Let Me Be is a fully compelling success of an album from MICHAEL PAUL BINZ.

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“MIGHT BE” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

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