Chocolate Genius Inc.
Swansongs
Posted 9/7

Campus Correspondent Review By Andy Argyrakis,
Campus Correspondents coordinator

Even though Chocolate Genius Inc. figurehead Mark Anthony Thompson set out to record a trilogy of albums tracing first person stories with a cathartic resolve for the singer/songwriter, Swansongs turned out to be the fourth project in that 12 year song cycle. Marking the follow-up to 2005’s Black Yankee Rock, the focus revolves primarily around loosing both of his parents, along with lamenting the passage of time in general.

Though the premise is depressing at times, there’s an instant kinship with the leader’s soul-bearing reflections (most notably “She Smiles,” “Mr. Wonderful” and “How I Write My Songs”) all of which are wrapped around the leader’s soothing vocals and ambient arrangements. It’s a lot to digest for those starting with this chapter, but anyone who followed Chocolate Genius Inc.’s journey thus far should have no trouble being moved and grooved by his humble reflections.