For nearly twenty years, Generifus, the long-running project of Washington State songwriter Spencer Sult, has been building a body of work that has made him a beloved figure in the DIY scene.
Presented by Perpetual Doom and due for release on September 19th, Best Of gathers fifteen tracks from across that journey, a quietly radiant retrospective of indie folk songs recorded in bedrooms, basements, and borrowed studios, often with longtime collaborators from the Pacific Northwest’s DIY community.
Sult has long been a beloved figure in that scene, not because of grand gestures or self-promotion, but because of the modest, unhurried way his songs arrive. The compilation traces a path from the breezy ache of “I Know” (2010) to the brightness of tracks from 2023’s Rearrangel, highlighting how Sult’s music has remained consistent in its intimacy even as the years and settings have shifted.
“And I Tried” lands with shades of Elliott Smith, its vocal delivery and delicate guitar tone carrying the same fragile intimacy. “Good Graces” follows in kind, another understated gem that highlights Sult’s gift for restraint, his ability to say so much by saying very little. “Best of Both Worlds” slips in seamlessly, that narcotic guitar tone meeting a vocal delivery that’s a touch more insistent, adding variety without breaking the collection’s spell.
“Favorite Thing” leans into a country lilt, echoing the ragged charm of early Wilco, while “Dog Riff,” a title that’s as good as the song itself, returns to the languid haze that defines much of Best Of. Each track feels like a quiet room you’re invited to linger in, each one lit by its own flickering lamp.
For newcomers to Generifus, this compilation is an ideal entry point, capturing both the breadth and the unbroken thread of Sult’s songwriting across two decades. At times, the mood and songwriting reminded me of Damien Jurado, another criminally under-appreciated Pacific Northwest songwriter, though Sult’s voice is distinctly his own.
Credit is due to Perpetual Doom for pulling this collection together. The label is well-known for championing artists who thrive outside the spotlight, and this release is a testament to that commitment. Best Of is less a victory lap than a reminder of what it means to stay true to the craft, an understated salute to a DIY lifer.
Leave a Reply