Circles
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
A Tennessee native and now Brooklyn resident, the inimitable singer-songwriter Jake Winstrom returns with a sophomore album, where a unique brand of power-pop and rugged country rock ideas collide with much help from a large handful of esteemed musicians on hand.
Winstrom starts the listen with “Come To Texas She Said”, where his unique tenor vocals are aligned with playful keys from Peggy Hambright and warm pedal steel from Dave Ball on the curious power-pop opener, and “Think Too Hard” follows with some playful folk-rock tendencies that flow with a jangly, retro feel.
Elsewhere, the upbeat “What’s The Over/Under?” offers bright brass and a punchy delivery of fluid nods to Tom Petty, while “I Walk In Circles” resides in calmer territory where plenty of grace exists as an orchestral slant makes an indelible impression. “Loose Change”, a particularly charming tune, brings Sarah E. Smith in on backing vocals as a throwback rocker unfolds with a meticulous but playful nature.
Near the end, “The Crystal Ball” relies heavily on mood as subdued beauty radiates warmth amid strategic organ, and “Kilimanjaro” finishes the listen with a heavily and carefully textured execution of power and melody where the intricate electric guitars leave us wanting more.
A fine album that sometimes reminds us of Cheap Trick, The Byrds, The Beatles, Elliott Smith or even Neil Young, Circles offers one interesting track after another, where Winstrom and company follow a very atypical and always exciting path on their varied rock journey that we’re all better off for being a part of.
Travels well with: Joe Jackson- The Duke; The Jayhawks- XOXO