Fiery is the (extremely) low-profile one-man project of multi-instrumentalist Keith Ostendorf. And Inner Trap is an eclectic collection of a dozen songs -- including covers of Jeff Beck (“Beck’s Bolero) and Harry Nilsson (“Coconut Song”), a traditional folk melody (“Mortal Flesh”), a glorified finger exercise (“Paradise Psalm”) and a catchy-as-hell ditty that’s a big surprise (“Alejandro”). Notably, the album also includes two versions of “Black Nite” -- one intended for prog radio play (according to a note Ostendorf included with the CD) that clocks in at a mere two-and-a-half minutes and another one that pushes past the 20-minute mark. On the first, Ostendorf sings along to a rich and resonant acoustic guitar; the second version contains nine parts, including ones that grooves with fuzzy guitar and Steely Dan vibes.
Throughout the album, some songs seem incomplete, ending abruptly or with odd fadeouts, and Ostendorf’s voice won’t win any awards (though he does faintly sound like Greg Lake). But that’s not the point; Fiery burns bright based on passion alone.
As Ostendorf wrote in his note: There are two people who were a part of this effort, who are no longer with us. Phyllis Ostendorf [vocals and guitar on the title track] and Tom Sowers [who wrote the title track and “Black Nite”]. I wanted to honor them by including their contributions to the music. My wife Suzy [vocals on “She & I” and “Coconut Song”] are the only ones left.
In a very cool gesture, Ostendorf titled the album as a tribute to Sowers. Inner Trap is as compelling as it is a confounding, and it might be like no other album you’ve heard in a long time (if ever). But, again, that’s the charm here. Keep the flame alive, Keith.
Track Listing:
1. Beck’s Bolero Jam
2. She & I (premonition)
3. Coconut Song
4. Love My Love
5. Black Nite V-3
6. Inner Trap
7. Mortal Flesh
8. Alejandro (martyr song)
9. Paradise Psalm
10. Hunger Pain
11. Black Nite
12. Babylon
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