"Light Still Shines The Same" - A Luminous Journey through History, Heart and Humor

Mike Gutierrez-May’s "Light Still Shines The Same" is a deeply nuanced exploration of human experiences - both personal and societal - blended together with his signature folk, indie rock, and world music influences.

Throughout this 12-track album, Gutierrez-May balances introspective vulnerability with satirical wit, creating a sonic landscape that feels intimate and expansive.

Gutierrez-May is an artist with a clear sense of purpose, and "Light Still Shines The Same" solidifies his position as a masterful storyteller with the ability to move between deeply serious and absurdly playful moments with effortless grace.

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/michael-gutierrez-may/sets/light-still-shines-the-same

From the very first note of the album’s title track, it’s clear that this is not just another folk album.

The title track takes on a monumental theme, addressing the brutal aftermath of European colonization and its impact on the Native American population in Eastern Massachusetts. Gutierrez-May doesn’t shy away from the complexities of history; rather, he dives into the tension between the supposed ideals of Thanksgiving and the violent reality that followed.

Through his evocative lyrics, listeners are invited to reflect on the dark legacies we often overlook in our collective history. This track sets the tone for the album, offering a compelling mix of historical reflection and modern introspection, anchored by rich acoustic instrumentation and the fiery lead guitar of Cliff Goodwin.

The emotional depth is further explored in “Five Twenty Four,” a tender ballad about the loss of a pet cat. It’s a song that anyone who has lost a beloved animal will instantly connect with, as Gutierrez-May’s soft vocals and heartfelt lyrics capture the raw sorrow that accompanies such a loss.

“Apology Song” continues this thread of emotional reflection, offering a poignant meditation on regret and the mistakes we make in relationships. With the simplicity of its acoustic guitar and delicate strings, the song shows Gutierrez-May’s ability to distill complex emotions into something pure and relatable. It’s a standout moment in an album filled with beautiful, thought-provoking tracks.

Despite the album’s deeper themes, Gutierrez-May also knows how to have fun. Tracks like “Hello I Must Be Going,” inspired by the comedic genius of Groucho Marx, inject a much-needed dose of humor into the mix. The song is playful and upbeat, with a catchy melody that serves as a reminder of Gutierrez-May’s versatility as an artist. This lightheartedness is contrasted beautifully by “Marijuana Gummy Bears Picnic,” which offers a warped interpretation of the classic children’s tune “The Teddy Bears Picnic.” With its quirky instrumentation and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, the track is a whimsical moment that reminds listeners that Gutierrez-May’s music is just as much about joy and absurdity as it is about solemnity and reflection.

Other tracks, such as “Destiny” and “When Dawn Comes To The City,” display Gutierrez-May’s gift for storytelling. “Destiny” contrasts the notions of fate and free will, featuring a protagonist who overcomes her adversity and uses her strength to shape her own future.

In this way, the song feels like an anthem for self-determination, with an uplifting arrangement that matches the narrative arc. Meanwhile, “When Dawn Comes To The City” is a quiet rumination on the struggles of insomnia, capturing the restlessness and frustration that so many people experience in the late-night hours. Gutierrez-May’s attention to detail in his songwriting creates a vivid emotional landscape, and listeners will find themselves transported into the scenes he’s painting with his words.

One of the most striking aspects of "Light Still Shines The Same" is its instrumentation. Produced by Stephen B. Martin and engineered by Joe Clapp, the album benefits from a rich and textured sound that complements the depth of Gutierrez-May’s songwriting.

The contributions of several talented musicians add texture and complexity to the songs, from the lush strings and piano in “Last One on the Bus” to the soaring guitar solos in “Light Still Shines The Same.” The variety of sounds, ranging from traditional folk arrangements to more expansive indie rock elements, keeps the album fresh and dynamic from start to finish.

With Light Still Shines The Same, Mike Gutierrez-May has crafted an album that is both deeply personal and broadly accessible.

His ability to balance serious social commentary with lighthearted fun gives the album a sense of balance that few artists can achieve. It’s a record that invites reflection while also offering moments of joy and humor, showcasing Gutierrez-May’s multifaceted talent as a songwriter and performer. Whether he’s confronting history’s darker moments, grappling with personal loss, or indulging in the absurd, Gutierrez-May brings sincerity and heart to every note.

Light Still Shines The Same is an album that proves Mike Gutierrez-May is not only a master of his craft, but a storyteller with a rare gift for capturing the intricacies of the human experience.

Connect with Michael Gutierrez-May on his Website.