Album Review: Levi McCachen, Illuminati

Illuminati serves as a road map of the challenges faced by comedian Levi McCachen as he navigates his way through relationship struggles, comparing himself to his parents, the relief of finally being past his sexual peak. 

The topics explored on this album are primarily of a millennial flare, with the ‘Baby Boomers’ ‘Reconciliation’ ‘Culture’  and ‘Girlfriend’ tracks as notable examples. While the economy, generational tensions, and political correctness are common subjects that may resonate more with an audience in their late mid/late 20’s to early 30’s, McCachern grounds the premise by speaking from personal experience, making it more relatable.

The strongest component of the album comes as McCachen builds to his strongest premise exploring romantic comedies. As stand-alone content, the listener is treated to a clever observation of the difference between the male and female gaze of romantic comedies, and how they each display their own tropes and trends. However, if the premise is experienced after hearing the album in its entirety, the listener is presented with a deeper understanding of McCachern’s perspective. It is not a jaded response to the challenges of intimacy, but a piece of a more complex puzzle that reveals itself with greater clarity through the album. 

Through clever observations and honest self-reflections, McCachen’s Illuminati proves to be a portrait of the typical millennial experience that is equal parts relatable and funny.

Illuminati was released September 28, 2021 on 800 Pound Gorilla Records.
Listen to it here.