Townsend's Solitaire Debuts New Album 'Glad to Be Alive'

Grief is a subject that is often difficult to put into words. However, Townsend's Solitaire's first full-length album, Glad to Be Alive does precisely that. Following a series of losses, Seattle-based classically trained musician Bobby Odle took the time to document the emotional journey during his transformative 27th year. Following the events, Odle wore his heart on his sleeve and transmuted that grief into a powerful series of songs. Combined with Odle's storytelling, Glad to Be Alive is a path to healing and a piece that aims to destigmatize the conversations around grief and mental health.

For Glad to Be Alive, Odle joined forces with fellow classically trained musicians (Kirill Polyanskiy on violin, Emma McGuire on flute, Steven Higbee on clarinet, Nathan Moore on cello, and Elle Castelli on piano, with Odle on guitar and vocals) to bring forth a unique sound dubbed as "chamber folk." Glad to Be Alive is preceded by two EPs: 2023's Knitting Needles and 2022's When We Were Far Away.

As mentioned in the write-up about Glad to Be Alive's first single of the same name, "the album was recorded at Sage Arts Studios under the production of Jordan Cunningham and then mastered by Rachel Field at Resonant Mastering. Odle also takes an unfiltered approach to the rest of the musical process, as Glad to Be Alive was produced, engineered, and recorded live to two-inch 16-track tape and mixed to half-inch, two-track tape, which means that all band members were present at all times in studio."

According to Townsend's Solitaire's bio, Odle cites influences such as The Tallest Man on Earth, Adrianne Lenker, Bright Eyes, and Sufjan Stevens.

Glad to Be Alive is a direct look into Odle's life as he sings candidly about the past year's events and his pivotal relationships. Although The album was ignited by several tragedies, at its core, there is still some optimism for the journey that lies ahead.

The album opens with "Dear Old Friend," a tribute to Odle's childhood best friend Tanner (who passed away by suicide). The album transitions to "Keluarga," a song about suicidal ideation where Odle is honest about his efforts to stay alive. Later, there are audio letters to Odle's sister in "To You, From Bali," and an homage to his deceased brother Chris in "Little Brothers." The album also includes love songs such as "Raining In June pt. I" and "Raining in June pt. II."

One of the highlights of the album is "Glad to Be Alive," the album's title track. In the song, Odle ponders the meaning of happiness and grapples with trying to keep going while everything seems to be collapsing around him. The track to casual listeners may seem upbeat, but upon a closer listener, it takes on a heavier meaning.

The album concludes with "In the Morning," a call to action that urges listeners (and himself) to "Stay calm, be kind, please take your time." It's a song that encourages listeners to keep going as there's so much out there to live for. Odle is right.

As of June 28th, Glad to Be Alive is now available on Spotify and vinyl. Townsend's Solitaire is also currently on tour. For upcoming show dates, visit townsendssolitaire.com/shows.