For Those That Wander By
Think Like A Key, 2025
8/10
Listen to For Those That Wander By
The veteran Spanish artist John Howard released his debut 50 years before this 2nd collaboration with Robert Cochrane, where a series of musical short stories unfolds with a theatrical presence.
The expressive singing and mature keys of “Losing Myself In Others” starts the 8 songs with much sophistication and grace, and “Dead At The Scene” follows with intimacy via the emotive keys and heartfelt vocals.
“Return Postcards” and “Casati’s Tears” arrive in the middle. The former pays close attention to mood thanks to the dreamy backdrop and percussive ideas, while the latter uses ‘70s rock ideas in harmonic ways that are both firm and melodic.
Arriving close to the end, “No Glitter In Revenge” offers a lush and dynamic album highlight, and “For Those That Wander By” exits with stirring songwriting that pairs the sincere singing with poetic piano playing.
A very mature effort of adult contemporary sounds, Howard’s vision focuses much on piano and solo vocals, but uses other ideas sparingly and with much attention to detail and retro bouts that are timeless.
Travels well with: Matt Tecu + Fernando Perdomo- Getting Warmer; Fernando Perdomo- Babies Of War Babies