Ty Segall Shifts Sonic Landscape on 16th LP ‘Possession,’ Integrating Strings and Horns

Long celebrated for his prolific output and dynamic approach to garage-psych rock, virtuosic guitarist Ty Segall embarks on a notable stylistic evolution with his 16th studio album, “Possession.” Released as his latest offering, this LP signals a departure from some of the more aggressive, electronics-laden textures of his recent past, instead embracing a richer, more analog palette featuring strings and horns, while still preserving the core of his distinctive sound.

Navigating a New Sonic Direction

“Possession” follows Segall’s 2021 record “Harmonizer,” an album often cited as a peak expression of his Black Sabbath-inspired, electronics-assisted sound. The transition seen on “Possession” suggests a conscious move towards different instrumentation and arrangement styles. This shift finds roots in subsequent solo projects like the 2022 acoustic album “Hello, Hi,” which showcased a stripped-down, introspective side, and the instrumental, percussion-focused “Love Rudiments,” hinting at an exploration of different rhythmic and textural foundations.

The new album effectively balances the familiar intensity of Segall’s work with a newfound sense of restraint. Listeners will still encounter signature psychedelic sounds and searing, distorted guitar solos on tracks such as “Shining” and the album’s title track, “Possession.” However, these moments of raw power are juxtaposed with surprising and sophisticated arrangements, notably the integration of strings and horns on songs like “Skirts of Heaven” and “Shoplifter,” adding layers of complexity previously less prominent in his main solo output.

Unexpected Influences and Lyrical Depth

The musical direction on “Possession” has prompted comparisons that might initially seem unexpected for an artist rooted in garage rock. Elements of the album draw parallels to soulful, easy-listening rock bands of the 1970s, such as the power-pop sensibilities of Cheap Trick and the sophisticated jazz-rock leanings of Steely Dan. These comparisons underscore the album’s successful synthesis of Segall’s established grit with more melodic and complex compositional structures.

Lyrically, “Possession” also marks a significant evolution, largely influenced by a collaboration with documentary filmmaker Matt Yoka. Yoka contributed to the co-writing process, bringing a clearer narrative framework to Segall’s often abstract lyrical style. This collaboration is particularly evident on the title track, “Possession,” which Yoka solely penned, offering a focused narrative that delves into the historical theme of witch trials.

Despite the album’s expanded instrumentation and lyrical focus, it maintains a relatively laid-back sensibility when compared to the raw fury of some of Segall’s earlier work. While songs like “Buildings” and “Alive” explore profound themes, including existential dread, the overall tone is characterized by a controlled energy that allows the new sonic textures to breathe.

A Prolific Trajectory Continues

“Possession” also serves as further evidence of Segall’s undiminished prolificacy. Despite having stated last year that he was attempting to slow down his output, he has continued to release music at a rapid pace. In addition to “Possession,” he has recorded an album with Corey Madden of the band Color Green under the moniker Freckle, and has revealed that two more solo LPs were completed alongside “Possession.” This persistent creative drive continues to push the boundaries of his artistic expression and ensures a steady stream of material for his dedicated fanbase.