Michael Gutierrez-May’s “Light Still Shines The Same“ is an album that takes listeners on a rich and multi-layered journey, intertwining personal stories with the universal.

From poignant reflections on loss and love to razor-sharp critiques of historical and societal structures, Gutierrez-May’s latest work proves that he is as much a storyteller as he is a musician.

These 12 tracks span a broad emotional range from the somber to the satirical , and represent a mature step forward in his musical evolution.

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In the opening track “Destiny,” he contrasts the concept of fate with the notion of free will, telling the story of a woman overcoming adversity and forging her own path. The arrangement is lush and layered, bringing a sense of empowerment.

Title track “Light Still Shines The Same” opens the album with an exploration of colonialism’s aftermath. Focusing specifically on the violent conflict between Native Americans and colonizers in 17th-century Massachusetts, Gutierrez-May sets the tone with a haunting acoustic guitar riff and lyrical imagery that calls for reflection on a history of exploitation that still shapes modern life. It’s a chilling and evocative start.

Equally powerful is “Five Twenty Four,” a delicate ballad that captures the raw sorrow of losing a beloved pet. There’s a quiet, almost meditative quality to the song that allows the pain of loss to resonate deeply. What sets Gutierrez-May apart as a songwriter is his ability to take personal experiences – like the passing of a pet – and transform them into universally relatable anthems of grief and healing. The track’s stripped-back arrangement with soft piano and subtle strings, amplifies the emotion, making it one of the album’s standout moments.

The album’s strength lies in its versatility, as Gutierrez-May deftly moves between humor, introspection, and social commentary. “Apology Song,” for instance, is an acoustic confession to a past lover, filled with self-deprecating humor and earnest regret. The simplicity of the song makes the lyrics even more poignant, and his vulnerability shines through as he exposes the imperfections of human relationships.

Meanwhile, the album is not without its lighter moments. “Hello I Must Be Going” is a delightful nod to Groucho Marx’s signature comedic style. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics and upbeat rhythm offer a refreshing contrast to the more introspective tracks on the album.

Similarly, “Marijuana Gummy Bears Picnic” is a warped take on the childhood classic “Teddy Bears Picnic,” showing Gutierrez-May’s sense of playful absurdity. It’s quirky, unexpected, and wholly entertaining.

Gutierrez-May’s storytelling abilities truly come to life on tracks like “When Dawn Comes To The City”, a somber meditation on sleepless nights with his vocals taking on a dreamy, almost resigned quality as he describes the struggle to find peace in the midst of restlessness.

Produced by Stephen B. Martin and engineered by Joe Clapp, “Light Still Shines The Same” is sonically polished with a mix of folk, indie rock and world music influences that give the album a rich, expansive feel.

What’s most striking about this albue is its ability to blend deeply personal reflection with a broader social consciousness. Whether commenting on historical injustices, exploring the nuances of human relationships or just offering a moment of levity, Gutierrez-May’s writing is always thoughtful and engaging. It’s an album that asks big questions while never losing sight of the smaller, intimate moments that make life worth living.

In a musical landscape where artists often veer towards either heavy introspection or broad social commentary, Gutierrez-May finds a way to balance both, creating an album that is at once expansive and deeply personal.

Find out more about Michael Gutierrez-May on his Website