Out Of The Nowhere, Into The Here
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
Listen to Out Of The Nowhere, Into The Here
The sophomore album from the singer, songwriter and performer Stephen Bluhm, the songs here place aside the electronics from his debut, and instead are steeped in chamber-pop ideas.
“Any Little Things” starts the listen with Bluhm’s warm piano and soft voice that emits much beauty and grace, and “Wissahickon” follows with a calm, dreamy approach of poetic songwriting.
In the middle, the melodic gestures of “Easter” welcomes soulful brass to the strategic minimalism, while the upbeat “Existential Crisis” uses Francesca Hoffman’s airy flute amid the rich album highlight.
“All The Love You Want” lands near the end, and benefits from cozy acoustic guitar and stirring strings for an orchestral appeal, and “There Was A Light” exits with a folk presence that has Bluhm hitting some night notes via the frisky keys and subtle pop nods.
Bluhm handles vocals, Steinway Grand, guitar, pipe organ, Wurlitzer, and glockenspiel, and several guests accompany him for a classical, orchestral and chamber experience that’s fueled by his distinct baritone pipes and timeless nature.
Travels well with: Jeremy Wilms- The Fighter; Catbells- Partly Cloudy