Emerging cross genre singer-songwriter Luke Borchelt’s debut album “Every Rain” is a raw and honest exploration of love, loss, and life’s little moments.
In his debut album, Every Rain, Luke Borchelt invites us into his world—a braved, soulful patchwork stitched with Maryland pride, vivid storytelling, and a fusion of country and DMV hip-hop influences. This record sounds like a confessional journal set to music, and as much about the places he’s been as the person he’s becoming. With tracks like “Itchin’,” “Same Old Square,” and the title track “Every Rain,” Borchelt demonstrates his knack for marrying gritty realism with poetic intimacy in this 9-track record. Here’s a closer look at the four lyrical standouts for us:
“Every Rain”
Borchelt opens his heart in this melancholic ode to wear-and-tear, both physical and emotional; a poignant reflection on the challenges of life and love. The lyrics drip with poignant metaphors—“the boat sinks a little with every rain” reflects a deeper unraveling of life’s foundations. There’s a quiet desperation in his voice as he sings about the truck that “won’t get up” and the tar that “can’t plug her,” crafting an image of stagnation and decay. But beneath the weariness is resilience, a longing to rebuild. Borchelt’s ability to intertwine mundane, tangible details with existential weight makes this track a standout, evoking the rich, grounded storytelling of Tyler Childers.
“Itchin’”
“Itchin’” is a restless anthem for those caught between the pull of home and the ache of unfulfilled dreams. Borchelt’s Maryland roots are on full display, with the Chesapeake Bay becoming both a refuge and a battleground. Lines like “Just trying to get my hook under rocks, at the lighthouse” juxtapose pastoral imagery with the emotional toil of self-discovery. The song captures the push-and-pull of pride and vulnerability: “I got too much pride, I ain’t coming to getcha.” It’s a nuanced exploration of longing—romantic and existential—that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever been torn between staying and leaving. The song’s infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics make it an instant earworm.
“Same Old Square”
Equal parts nostalgia and heartbreak, “Same Old Square” is a nostalgic ode to youthful love and adventure. It transports listeners to late-night drives and carefree young love. The refrain—“We’d drive the same four stop signs, morning or nighttime, you didn’t care”—is as much about the simplicity of those moments as it is about the looming inevitability of change. Borchelt’s storytelling shines here, with cinematic details like sneaking wine into dorms and hitting the rumble strip while stealing a kiss. The song pulses with youthful energy, but there’s a bittersweet undercurrent, a realization that those carefree nights were fleeting. It’s a track that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
“Victoria”
On the album’s most romantic track, Borchelt trades Maryland’s familiar shores for the wanderlust of Victoria, Portland, and Napa. The song unfolds like a scrapbook, each verse a snapshot of spontaneous adventures, from karaoke bars to half-eaten M&Ms in a tent. The chorus—“Man I’m sure this ain’t the normal way love’s supposed to be, but it’s working on me”—captures the magic of an unconventional connection. There’s an intimacy to Borchelt’s delivery, a vulnerability that makes you feel like you’re flipping through his personal memories. “Victoria” is both whimsical and profound, celebrating imperfect love as something worth cherishing.
Every Rain is a remarkable debut that showcases Borchelt’s talent as a songwriter and performer. Each track offers a glimpse into his life, rich with specificity yet universal in emotion. His Maryland boy charm, paired with the influence of artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tyler Childers, Atmosphere and Frank Ocean, creates a unique sound that feels fresh yet familiar. Borchelt’s authenticity is his greatest strength, and with Every Rain, he’s given us an album that feels like an old friend, weathered but steadfast.
TRACK LISTING:
1. Same Old Square (Luke Borchelt, Warren Russell) 3:49
2. Every Rain (Luke Borchelt, Warren Russell) 3:16
3. Itchin’ (Luke Borchelt, Warren Russell) 3:42
4. Frostbit Hands (Luke Borchelt) 3:14
5. Victoria (Luke Borchelt) 4:08
6. Accent (Jordan Rager, Luke Borchelt, Mark Irwin) 3:06
7. Maryland Life (Luke Borchelt) 3:39
8. Car Heat (Luke Borchelt) 3:21
9. Orland, ME (Luke Borchelt) 3:53
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