Folk/Review Credito - Irreverent Soul
Credito first emerged in Baltimore, Maryland, during the 2010s, when singer-songwriter Derrick Credito and multi-instrumental maestro/record producer Christian Alfonso had connected in the city’s vibrant open mic circuit. In this period, Credito released Neither Fish Nor Fowl, a retrospective album spanning ten years of recordings captured in studios from Baltimore to the Asia-Pacific.
The distinction between catharsis and revolt is blurred in Credito's intensely emotive and brutally honest album “Irreverent Soul.” The project plunges heavily into issues of societal disillusionment, emotional conflict, and the struggle for authenticity, all of which are loudly declared in the title. Unquestionably powerful songs like "Wicked World" and "Death To The Man" offer a frank assessment of contemporary reality encased in gritty realism and poetic despair.
Credito's vocals, which are equal parts vulnerable and rebellious, pierce through like a sword, delivering words that both confront and empower. Bailey Dicus's eerie cello contributions are largely responsible for the album's unique musical character. His rich arrangements balance the anger with intensely reflective periods, giving the record a sad beauty.
From the more anthemic outcries to the more emotive, stripped-back admissions, every track has a sense of purpose. This duality is reinforced by the production, which alternates between full-bodied aural assaults and minimalist atmospheres. Credito embraces emotional extremes rather than avoiding them in order to create a coherent story of social and personal upheaval.
“Irreverent Soul” is a statement rather than merely an album. It's a statement of defiance against expectations and a profound exploration of the spirit of an artist who refuses to follow the norms. Fans of gloomy folk, alternative rock, or experimental singer-songwriter music will find something surprisingly genuine and poignant in Credito. Long after the last note fades, you will still be thinking about this record.