Boston-based singer-songwriter ryan john clary returns with his deeply personal sophomore album ‘bandit.’, a seven-track journey through frustration, grief, and quiet resilience. Following his introspective 2024 debut and this year’s single “whatcanwedo?”, Clary—a mental health professional by day—crafts an album that doubles as therapy, blending folk-pop intimacy with indie-rock edge to create a safe haven for the emotionally weary.
Channeling the lyrical vulnerability of Phoebe Bridgers and the melancholic brilliance of Elliott Smith, ‘bandit.’ thrives on minimalist yet potent arrangements. Acoustic guitars shimmer against Beatles-esque harmonies, while Clary’s whispered confessions tackle existential dread and personal loss—most poignantly on the interlude dedicated to late collaborator Jordan Brooks. Tracks like “whatcanwedo?” (a standout fusion of groove and grief) and the raw, confessional ballads scattered throughout prove Clary’s songwriting has sharpened into something urgent and universal.
What sets ‘bandit.’ apart is its duality—it’s both a personal diary and a public comfort, a quality honed through Clary’s years as a recovery advocate. “This is the most disciplined I’ve been making a record,” he admits, and it shows: the album never wallows, instead offering solace in shared struggle.
ryan john clary’s ‘bandit.’ is a poignant exploration of frustration, grief, and resilience, blending folk-pop intimacy with indie-rock edge. This deeply personal album serves as both a diary and a source of comfort, showcasing Clary’s lyrical vulnerability with haunting arrangements that echo the brilliance of Phoebe Bridgers and Elliott Smith. A beautifully crafted journey that transforms pain into solace, ‘bandit.’ is a must-listen for anyone seeking connection in their own struggles.
