between this and Hum we're really in the Soupy era of "what if my music had actually good mixes", I love it. comparing when this gets loud with the horns and stuff to Routine Maintenance it's night and day

Paying Bills and Whiplash are probably my two least favourites here lol. they're nice but content wise nothing he hasn't done before, this project works best when it gets really specific with the details of Aaron's life

Music Faves: Paying Bills At The End Of The World and In Lieu Of Flowers (great single picks!)

Storyline faves: Monogauhela Park, I'm An Albatross, Runnin' Out Of Excuses, Dead Leaves

Album Rating: 4.5

Thanks Feather! Yeah, that line from Albatross is as gutwrenching as the Diane reveal from Dead Leaves is uplifting. And aside from the fact that lyrically and narratively there's really nowhere to go from here, I have heard from a bunch of different sources that it's basically the "presumed ending", although I'm not certain than Campbell ever said it himself.



Rowan, go figure I love both of those haha. I mean, musically they're two of the most memorable. In terms of emotional impact, I'd say Albatross and Dead Leaves hit me the hardest.

the way the line about Aaron's father drinking himself to death in Albatross changes your entire understanding of the story is insane. unbelievable storyteller

Album Rating: 4.5

Yep 100%. I ordered all three albums on CD yesterday after writing this review because it helped me realize how well written the entire trilogy is.



I love his thoughts upon seeing Diane in the finale. Ultimate example of character growth.

"the way the line about Aaron's father drinking himself to death in Albatross changes your entire understanding of the story is insane. unbelievable storyteller"

It came together so well he had been subtly (less so in this final release) battling alcoholism through the whole trilogy and never once mentioned or reflected on his father dying that way.

While I agree this is a good ending to the arc and it could definitely be over, I wouldn't mind an epilogue EP.

Ideas: Aaron getting married to Sam, repaired relationship to Colin (Aaron taking care of him at the end of Routine Maintenance made that album), having a child of his own, reflecting on his dad, growing old and reflecting on his own past.

Album Rating: 4.5

Yeah, I mean I could see it but I'm not sure there'd be much worth exploring aside from spelling out endings that are already heavily implied here. Not like I wouldn't listen to it anyway, haha =D

Epilogues dont need to have big developments or twists. It would just be a sweet little encore tying a bow on the story.

You bring a good point though, most of my ideas are heavily implied.

Album Rating: 4.5

Lol fair point, apparently I forgot what an epilogue is. I'd be fine with it as an EP, but this is such a satisfying conclusion that I kind of hope it's the last LP of this story (I'd be more than okay with him launching a new project/storyline).

Album Rating: 3.7

Next album is about his long lost son Darren

Album Rating: 4.0

next album aaron gets murdered and cannibalised by isaiah

Hey now, no spoilers!

Album Rating: 5.0

Pretty sure Dan said this is the end for now since of course he isn't totally ruling out more in the future but for now this is how the story ends.

Album Rating: 4.5

I was never a fan of soupys sideproject, but this one is really good

I will spin this when I get the time - 1st LP is very near and dear to me. 1st EP, too. 2nd LP was fine but mostly glossed over it. In Lieu of Flowers has me very excited. Obscenely great track. Great rev, as per usual, Sow.

Album Rating: 4.0

lovely review Sowing. I've enjoyed Aaron West but clearly I have not given the lyrics the deep dive they deserve -- this sounds incredible.

@Pitchfork I didn't care much for Routine Maintenance aside from the closing 3 tracks that story development hits me like a brick wall: 'God & the Billboards', 'Winter Coats' and title track.

Album Rating: 5.0

God damn this is so good

@feather, maybe worth a revisit for me, then - at least the closing movement