Album Review: Unfold Yourself by Ian Ball (2014)
Alright, let’s talk about Unfold Yourself, Ian Ball’s solo effort from 2014. This one came out under Dispensary Records and made its way around the US and Australia, blending rock and pop vibes into something that feels like a warm hug with a bit of an edge. The album has eight tracks, but I’m gonna zoom in on two that really stuck with me: “Changer” and “Open Sesame.”
First up, “Changer.” Man, this track is just... smooth. It’s got this effortless groove that sneaks up on you while you're not paying attention. The lyrics feel personal but not too heavy-handed—you know, the kind of stuff you can vibe to without needing a Ph.D. in poetry to understand it. There’s something about the guitar work here that reminds me of lazy summer afternoons, even though I’ve never had one of those because, well, adulting. Anyway, it’s catchy as hell, and once it gets into your head, good luck getting it out.
Then there’s “Open Sesame,” which hits different. It’s upbeat but still kinda raw, like Ian didn’t overthink it too much—which honestly works for him. The energy here feels like walking into a party where everyone already knows each other, and somehow you fit right in anyway. Love the little riff-y bits sprinkled throughout; they give the song a playful kick that keeps things interesting. Plus, who doesn’t love a metaphorical nod to magic doors? Feels like permission to step into whatever vibe you’re chasing at the moment.
The rest of the tracks—like “Clearer” and “Living Longer”—are solid too, don’t get me wrong. But these two stood out to me because they felt real. Not trying-too-hard real, just... yeah, you know what I mean. Like when someone tells a story and you can tell they actually lived it instead of copying notes off Wikipedia.
Looking back, Unfold Yourself isn’t gonna blow your mind or anything—it’s no revolution—but sometimes that’s exactly what you need. A chill, honest record that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but still gives you something worth humming along to. Honestly, listening to it now makes me wonder why Ian Ball isn’t bigger than he is. Maybe he should’ve named the album Unfold Your Marketing Budget instead?
Anyway, if you’re into low-key rock-pop gems, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if “Changer” ends up haunting your shower singing sessions for weeks.
