2024
Blue FX, 2026
8/10
What began as a single a month turned into a full length record for the Massachusetts artist Ian James, whose one man band approach makes for a multi-faceted version of rock.
“January: There’s Still A Chance” opens with playful drumming and rhythmic guitar that draws us in immediately, and “February: The Sweet Life” follows with rich guitar playing amid the lively percussive ideas.
Further along, “May: Humid” carries an infectious energy that’s scrappy and emits soulful sax, while “June: See How They Run” enlists Gearedmah’s spoken word amid mystery and ambience that comes with a cinematic quality.
“November: Were Almost Home” resides late in the listen and offers melodic gestures and bass acrobatics that you can’t not be in awe of, and "Jinx”, a bonus track, uses acoustic guitar and singing via a cozy exit.
Somewhat of a ‘bedroom’ sort of formula that touches on funk, rock, grunge, folk and experimental ideas, the vocals are used sparingly but effectively for a really unique project that sounds great as singles as well as in its entirety.
Travels well with: Nick Joz- Hieroglyph & Stuttering; Dan Miraldi- Alphabet City 2AM