After nearly two decades away from making music, Brendan Ranney returns with Slightly Out of Focus, an album born from grief, reflection, and creative rediscovery. Inspired by discovering a collection of his late father’s poetry, Ranney channels years of personal experience into a record that feels honest, intimate, and emotionally grounded. Drawing influence from artists such as The Police, Social Distortion, R.E.M., and Midnight Oil, he delivers an album that comfortably blends classic alternative rock, folk, and darker post punk textures while maintaining a distinct identity.
From the opening moments of My Existence (No Not Today), the album wastes no time establishing its emotional weight. There is almost no introduction before loud, confident instrumentals throw the listener directly into the record. The vocal performance immediately stands out with its subdued, glum delivery that perfectly conveys the emotional themes at the heart of the album. Musically, it leans into an unmistakable 1980s alternative and gothic rock sound, recalling bands like The Cure through its guitar work and atmosphere.
Rather than continuing down that same path, Last Ride shifts the mood considerably. The guitars take on a warmer, more classic rock inspired tone that feels rooted in the 1970s, while the vocal delivery follows suit with a more open and melodic performance. This variety prevents the album from becoming predictable, showing Ranney’s ability to move between styles without sacrificing cohesion. The songwriting is another highlight here, with lyrics that are thoughtfully written and delivered naturally. The production also deserves praise throughout the track, with every instrument finding its place in the mix.
The darker atmosphere quickly returns with Second Son. Once again, the guitar playing strongly recalls the signature style of The Cure, creating an eerie and brooding backdrop. Ranney’s vocals sink back into a deeper, more melancholic register that complements the instrumental arrangement exceptionally well. The relationship between the vocals and guitars feels especially strong here, with each element supporting the other rather than competing for attention. The result is one of the album’s most immersive moments, embracing an unmistakable 1980s dark rock aesthetic while remaining emotionally sincere. The production continues to be consistently polished, allowing the mood to take centre stage.
One of the album’s biggest surprises arrives with Where I’ve Been. Opening with a more folk influenced guitar passage, it introduces a lighter texture that immediately distinguishes it from the preceding songs. Some moments recall the intricate guitar work of Foals, while Ranney’s vocal performance takes on an airy, almost distant quality reminiscent of Alex G. This style suits his voice exceptionally well and allows his emotional delivery to feel even more natural. It is arguably the strongest song on the record, balancing melody, atmosphere, and vulnerability in a way that feels effortless. If there is one track that hints at an exciting future direction for Ranney, it is this one. The production once again remains clear and balanced, allowing every subtle detail to come through.
I Remember You maintains the reflective mood with a gentle build that gradually draws the listener into another emotionally heavy performance. While the arrangement does not dramatically expand, it does not need to. Instead, the focus remains on the chemistry between the guitar work and the vocals, both of which continue to complement each other beautifully. The lyrics are relatively simple but highly effective, telling a story without becoming overly complicated. That restraint gives the song an authenticity that fits the album’s overall tone.
The emotional peak of the record comes with I Don’t Want To Go. The introduction of string arrangements immediately adds another layer of depth that separates it from the rest of the album. Those orchestral elements elevate the already heartfelt songwriting, giving the track a richer emotional impact. Ranney also delivers one of his strongest vocal performances here, reaching a level of confidence and expression that feels like the culmination of everything the album has been building toward. The combination of strings, guitar, and vocal performance creates one of the most memorable moments on the record. The lyrics are among the strongest on the album and are matched by production that allows every instrument to breathe without overwhelming the emotional core of the song.
The album closes with Sail Away, another standout that showcases just how refined the production has become. Every instrument sits comfortably within the mix, while the vocals blend naturally with the arrangement. There are moments where Ranney’s voice carries a subtle resemblance to Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, adding another familiar influence without sounding derivative. The song captures many of the album’s strengths in one performance, combining thoughtful songwriting, strong musicianship, and emotional sincerity. The only slight criticism is that it concludes rather abruptly. Given how effectively it builds its atmosphere, allowing the ending to linger a little longer could have provided an even more satisfying conclusion to both the song and the album.
As a whole, Slightly Out of Focus is an impressive return for Brendan Ranney. While the record occasionally revisits similar moods and sonic textures, its emotional honesty and strong songwriting keep it engaging throughout. Ranney demonstrates a clear understanding of melody, atmosphere, and restraint, never forcing emotion but allowing it to emerge naturally through his performances. The production remains consistently strong across every track, with thoughtful arrangements that support rather than overshadow the songwriting.
For an artist returning after a nineteen year absence, Slightly Out of Focus feels remarkably assured. It is an album shaped by life experience, loss, and perseverance, resulting in music that resonates because of its authenticity. Whether embracing darker alternative rock influences or exploring more folk driven arrangements, Brendan Ranney proves that his songwriting voice has not only returned but perhaps become stronger than ever.
SCORE/Outstanding: Slightly Out of Focus is a heartfelt and accomplished comeback that proves Brendan Ranney’s years away from music have only deepened his songwriting, resulting in a record that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]
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