Tangent Canyon
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The multi-instrumentalist and vocalist John Amadon brings along RFK Heise on drums and Paul Brainard on trumpet for these well thought out Americana songs that occasionally get a little more rugged in the timeless formula.
“Half Sleep” starts the listen with warm piano, before breezy acoustic strumming enters alongside the gentle, emotive singing on the folk influenced climate, and “Even One Time” follows with a firm guitar crunch as Amadon enters more gritty areas that benefits from thumping drums.
“Look Right Here” occupies the middle spot and trims the pace back with a cozy intimacy that points towards the ‘60s, while “Find An Oasis” jangles a bit amid the bouncy keys and upbeat melodies that parallels Elliott Smith at his happiest moments.
Close to the end, “Wife And Hay” showcases precise bass playing amid the poetic singing and Brainard’s well timed brass, and the best track, “Where The End Begins”, exits with a lyrically romantic spirit and agile, soothing musicianship that emits a dreamy guitar solo.
You might be reminded of heroes like The Beatles, Big Star or even Wilco when listening to these 10 songs, and much like those legends, Amadon delivers with a universally enjoyable and relatable appeal that will always be relevant.
Travels well with: John Amadon- Monarchs Of The Spukhaus; Birdtalker- One