Certain Secret Chambers of Thought

Released in 2017, 'Certain Secret Chambers of Thought' represents a peak in Eef Barzelay's minimalist period. The album is notable for its inclusion of several radically deconstructed covers of 90s pop and rock songs, including Spin Doctors' 'Two Princes' and Poison's 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn'. By removing the polished production and upbeat tempos of the originals, Barzelay uncovers a hidden melancholy and existential dread within these commercial artifacts. This practice of 'folk-processing' pop culture is a hallmark of his solo work, contrasting with the more expansive alt-country sound of his band Clem Snide. The latter half of the album shifts into original compositions that lean heavily into philosophical and spiritual themes, particularly the finality of death and the persistence of thought. The recording is stark, likely a home or small-studio production, emphasizing the 'nasal deadpan' that has become Barzelay's signature. It is a challenging but rewarding listen that bridges the gap between ironic satire and sincere spiritual inquiry.