Ender Bowen shows his artistic depth on new record, “No Shortage of Good Ideas”
Originally published by We Write About Music
Coming up on two years since our last review of Ender Bowen’s record The Art of Tactful Procrastination, the artist has returned with a rocking new album called No Shortage of Good Ideas. Read on for a much closer look into our thoughts on the full listen.
Ender Bowen, the multi-talented artist known for his thought provoking lyrics and multi-genre sound, returns with his latest album, No Shortage of Good Ideas. Drawing inspiration from the profound writings of C.S. Lewis and a diverse range of musical influences, Bowen presents a compelling compilation that seamlessly blends tracks recorded over the years into a cohesive and captivating musical journey. It’s sort of a successor to his last record, but ultimately a perfect listen to fully familiarize yourselves with his complete sound.
The album’s title, No Shortage of Good Ideas, is an apt reflection of Bowen’s creative vision. Stemming from a reading of C.S. Lewis’s influential Christian-inspired works, Bowen initially intended it to be the title of his follow-up to The Art of Tactful Procrastination.” Little did he anticipate that this follow-up would take the form of a compilation album. Yet, despite its diverse origins, No Shortage of Good Ideas boasts a thematic unity that adds an intriguing layer to the listening experience.
Throughout the album, Bowen pays homage to his musical influences, including the likes of U2, David Bowie, Garbage, Depeche Mode, and many more alike. These inspirations shine through in his sound, which seamlessly blends elements of rock, alternative, and beyond, resulting in a distinctive sonic tapestry that is uniquely his own.
No Shortage of Good Ideas offers a mix of tracks recorded over the span of several years, showcasing the evolution of Bowen’s artistry. The album opens with the first four tracks, which were recorded in the 2000’s. These early recordings serve as a testament to Bowen’s musical growth and the foundation upon which his artistic journey was built.
As the album progresses, listeners are treated to a selection of slightly remixed B-sides from The Art of Tactful Procrastination singles. These tracks serve as hidden gems that may have previously flown under the radar, giving them a well-deserved place in the spotlight. Each song carries its own unique energy, displaying Bowen’s ability to craft evocative melodies and introspective lyrics.
In addition to the older recordings and B-sides, No Shortage of Good Ideas includes tracks originally intended for various other releases that never came to fruition. These previously unreleased songs find their rightful home on this compilation, adding a sense of discovery and completion to the album. Though there really are so many years worth of songs presented, there’s no doubt in our mind that we’d call this cohesive. It flows flawlessly and never feels like anything is off base.
Beyond the music itself, No Shortage of Good Ideas is accompanied by a sense of nostalgia and a reflection of artistic evolution. The album’s nature allows listeners to witness Bowen’s creative journey, offering a deeper connection and understanding of his artistry. From beginning to end, the runtime is about an hour, but it’s an hour worth of greatness and experimentation that we wholly recommend you dive into.
So please, check out those links below to listen, follow along, and to stay tuned for so much more on the way!