The Builders and the Butchers' third full-length LP, Dead Reckoning, contains lots of talk of physical calamities and destruction by wind, water, and fire. There's not much optimism in Ryan Sollee's storytelling as he explores the darker side of human nature. He explores these themes while he's fishing around the beautiful city of Portland, where he lives. The solitary act of fishing begs for solemn contemplation (at least it does for me, since I never catch anything). Sollee doesn't do any writing here; it's where the well of inspiration fills as he sits quietly. The writing comes later in a process that he calls "subconscious." It's also worth noting that Sollee used to be a biologist, and the creative process often had its genesis during his many walks in the woods.
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