Mike Gutierrez-May "Light Still Shines The Same"

Mike Gutierrez-May’s "Light Still Shines The Same" is a record that lives at the crossroads of history, personal reflection, and sharp-witted storytelling.

With a folk foundation infused with indie rock and world music influences, this album expands on the deeply human themes that have long defined his songwriting. Whether he’s exploring the aftermath of European colonization, confronting personal regrets in “Apology Song,” or embracing pure absurdity with “Marijuana Gummy Bears Picnic,” Mike proves once again that he’s an artist unafraid to examine life from every angle - whether serious, sorrowful, and playfully surreal.

The strength of "Light Still Shines The Same" lies in its ability to balance intimacy and universality. Songs like “Five Twenty Four,” written in memory of a beloved pet, ache with quiet grief, while “Last One on the Bus” captures the confusion and loneliness of growing up.

At the same time, there is a warm, communal feel to the album’s arrangements thanks to the contributions of a stellar supporting cast.

Produced by Stephen B. Martin and engineered by Joe Clapp, the record boasts rich instrumentation, including the searing lead guitar work of special guest Cliff Goodwin. This warm blend of acoustic textures with electric flourishes gives the album a vibrant, dynamic quality. It's very much rooted in folk but unafraid to venture beyond it.

Gutierrez-May’s ability to bring humor into his work is another highlight. Tracks like “Hello I Must Be Going,” inspired by Groucho Marx, and the delightfully twisted “Marijuana Gummy Bears Picnic” show his knack for satire and mischief. But even in his lightest moments there is an undercurrent of wisdom whether it’s a reflection on the absurdity of life or the strange ways history repeats itself. As the album unfolds, it becomes clear that "Light Still Shines The Same" isn’t just a collection of songs - it’s almost like a meditation on change, and the small moments in life that define us.

With this latest effort, Mike Gutierrez-May continues to carve out a space that is uniquely his own.

The album carries the heart of folk storytelling, the spirit of indie rock experimentation, and the insight of a seasoned observer of life. Thoughtful, engaging, and emotionally resonant, "Light Still Shines The Same" invites listeners to laugh, reflect, and keep moving forward.

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