The Same Changes, Vol II
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Listen to The Same Changes, Vol II
A Philadelphia guitarist, composer and producer, Connor O’Neill brings us all originals here that illustrate bright storytelling that’s illuminated by Alex Delcourt, Steven Perry, Morgan Walbridge, Mervin Toussaint, Jessica Cantone and Micah Graves.
“Disordinance” opens the listen with Walbridge’s atmospheric vibraphone alongside O’Neill’s glowing guitar that populates the light and warm atmosphere of beauty, and “Another Moment Reconciled” follows with Delcourt’s agile bass and Perry’s unpredictable drumming complementing the dreamy guitar tone.
Halfway through, “Gears” showcases Toussaint’s soulful sax that helps emit an introspective climate, while “Early Departure”, the only song with vocals, showcases Cantone’s gorgeous singing via the sublime intimacy of the record’s best. The final track, “Jade”, then blends reflective guitar, soft vibes and brushed drumming for the heart felt exit.
Themes of depression, doubt and insecurity surround these thoughtful songs, and it makes for a genuine, relatable body of work that’s gripping from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Nic Vardanega- New Beginning; Jon Menges- Spirit Of 3, Spirit Of 4