Music Review: Twenty Something
It has been awhile since I've written about music. I canceled my premium Spotify and subsequently my driving experience has been more silent. That still hasn't stopped some albums from breaking into my life. Twenty Something is the latest music from Canadian artist Jon Bryant. I was not aware of this guy before three weeks ago. Yet, born the same year as me, I feel particularly drawn to this guy.
Who am I kidding? This album is glorious and that is why I am drawn to the guy.
Most important to my obsession, the gent's vocals are flawless and gorgeous. There are some albums that utilize vocals as an instrument and not merely a vehicle for lyrics — this is one of those albums. The atmospheric elements throughout the album are spot on while the vocals bring the music up close.
My favorite songs happen to be the last four tracks — "Heroine," "Milk and Water," "Wilderness," and "Trenches and Charms." I confess I am drawn into the emotional lyrics and higher vocal stylings. The songs aren't whiney. And the higher vocals reminds me of whispering for some odd reason. To my senses, there is a certain honesty that comes across that may be rather illogical.
On the flip side, "Don't Wait" and "Light" are some of my least favorite merely because they have slow openings. I am eager for the other songs I love and get impatient. "Don't Wait" contains the high vocal stylings that I love about the album's conclusion. But the solo guitar and gentle piano "intro" lasts too long. By the time the whole band joins, I've usually checked out of the sound. "Heroine" has a similar start but comes later in the album. "Deep Dark Valley" has a slow intro as well but the bluegrass melody is infinitely more catchy and the track has a killer hook. Albums need diversity. So while "Don't Wait" and "Light" aren't my favorite, they are great tracks.
Not quite "folk" and I certainly wouldn't classify it as "Americana," Twenty Something brings joy to my ears. This album has dominated my rotation for the last two weeks. I commend it to you.
