SUSTO (from the album My Entire Life

SUSTO (from the album My Entire Life

SUSTO (from the album My Entire Life available on New West Records (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Justin Osborne as the frontman of SUSTO could be considered something of a philosopher — and rightfully so. The evidence is apparent from the outset; after all, any album titled My Entire Life is bound to seem like a treatise of some sort regardless. Then again, that’s what songwriters do — share their thoughts, circumstances, ideals and life stories through their signature songs.

Still, before putting him on a pedestal, it’s best to first consider the fact that he’s not so different from the rest of us. On opening track “Rock On” he describes a day that that might well be like any day in the life of an Everyman (or Everywoman), one that begins with getting up, getting stoned, and then contemplating what lies ahead. Indeed, that’s as ordinary as it gets.
 
While Osborne takes the helm of his nom de plume as singer and songwriter, it’s his bandmates —guitarist, bassist and keyboard player Johnny Delaware, drummer Marshall Hudson, and co-producer Wolfgang Zimmerman— that bring SUSTO’s songs and sounds to life. They amble through the proceedings with careful consideration, giving songs such as “Mermaid Vampire” and “Tina” a generally easy, unhurried feel, and others — like “Cowboys” and “Rooster” — the benefit of musings and meditation. While the aforementioned “Rock On” would seem to suggest a more assertive stance, “Mt. Caroline” and “Optimum Artist” account for the only real attempt at upbeat engagement, something of an anomaly given the generally contemplative approach that’s shared overall.
 
Ultimately then, My Entire Life is mesmerizing in a distinctive way, mostly by factoring in subtlety and sensitivity as part of its intended design. Those idyllic elements suggest an optimistic overview in general, and yet, there’s certainly a realistic perspective implied as well.
 
‘Steppin’ through life, all dirt & spit/ got nothin’ to survive on’ Osborne muses on a song titled “Tragic Kingdom. ‘Out in space where everything hurts/All you can do is fly…’
 
The idea seems to be that it’s best to make do with the circumstance, and then come to grips with whatever stands in the way.

That’s an admirable — and optimistic attitude, and indeed, there’s something to be said for that age-old adage — ‘Tomorrow’s another day’. Happily, then, SUSTO manages to override the divide between intellect, emotion, and spiritual sensibility to fine effect. Osborne uses his life as an example of what it takes to transcend both triumph and tragedy, and to then claim a small victory as a result.

By turns charming and challenging, My Entire Life is an inspirational effort, and no small accomplishment, especially in that regard. Credit Osborne for baring his soul and sharing his thoughts with such candor and cohesion. (By Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of SUSTO from AMAZON
 
Please visit the SUSTO website for more information