Conshus Lover (Sayan Studios, 2004 [orig. released 2002])

Singer Sayan is a dedicated, do-it-yourself type of guy.  He recorded his debut album Conshus Lover in his home studio in 2002, playing all of the instruments himself, but for reasons beyond space, time, and your comprehension (OK, OK, I just don't know why) it wasn't really promoted (He was probably too damn tired.).  So now, he's debuting for the second time.  As the title implies, Conshus Lover is largely a poorly spelled album -- er, make that a lovers rock album (There are actually few misspellings, and all are presumably intentional.) with a likeable, relaxed pop flair.  Perhaps because of budgetary constraints, the sound is a bit muffled, and the instrumentation feels a bit dated, with an '80s vibe (synthesizers and the whole nine), but the music actually adds a refreshing throwback feel, sort of like Chalice's feel-good party sounds of the '80s.  Sayan's sound isn't all happy-go-lucky, though.  As he explains on "Lover and a Fighter," "I'm a lover and a fighter," so his darker side comes out in great, edgier material like the funky, dubby "Cool Head," the echoing "A Little Love," and the rootsy "Selah."  Sayan's voice is smooth and well-suited to lovers rock, although it's a bit uneven at times (again, perhaps affected by budgetary constraints).  Still, the songwriting on Conshus Lover is strong enough to overcome any deficiencies (check out the wicked "Playing the Harlot") and make the album a real treat, a swaying, groovy promise of things to come from Sayan.  Check it out at cdbaby.com.