Next Time

Released in 2018, Next Time represents a refined peak of Greg Laswell's self-produced aesthetic. Following a period of personal transition, the album leans heavily into his strengths as an engineer and arranger, specifically his technique of layering dozens of his own vocal tracks to create a 'choral' baritone effect. Sonically, the record is dominated by upright piano and rich, analog textures, moving away from the more overt electronic experiments of his previous work toward a 'chamber-folk' sound. The title track serves as the emotional and sonic anchor, appearing in both a fully produced version and a stark piano reprise. Critically, the album was noted for its cinematic quality, a trait that has made Laswell a favorite for television supervisors. It stands as one of his most cohesive works, trading the occasional pop-rock leanings of his early career for a more mature, atmospheric, and somber palette.