Album Review
Jonathan Brenner’s “Instagram Success” LP
Filled with the sort of earthy tonality that some would just as soon come from an uncompromisingly passionate live performance in a quaint venue somewhere, the guitar parts that are fired at us from start to finish in Jonathan Brenner’s Instagram Success are perhaps the most charming element to behold in this second album from the singer/songwriter, but they’re not the only component vital to the creation of the record’s one-of-a-kind harmonies.
With the help of a potent vocal from Brenner, these strings will form a boldly colorful melodicism unmatched in his first album, whether it be in “It’s a Dyin’ Art” and “Key to My Heart” or deeper cuts like “Hangin’ on the Edge over You” and “Silly Little Habit,” it’s as strong an entity as they come. This is a player who makes communication feel like more of an art form than it has for a long time in pop music, and more than a couple of critics are making note of it.
I love the production quality here, especially with regards to intricately melodic songs like “Not Gettin’ Drunk, Not Gettin’ High,” “Ride That Money Train,” and “The Balla of Orson Jones,” but I can’t say that all of these tracks wouldn’t sound even better in a live setting than they do in this capacity. There’s no dispute as to whether or not the bones of the aforementioned compositions could withstand the pressure of a stage environment; contrarily, I get the impression that they were designed specifically with the energy that an audience’s emotional reaction in mind.
Brenner has the energy of an old-fashioned troubadour in Instagram Success, and I for one would love to see and hear how it translates in person sometime. Although he benefits quite significantly from the way everything in this mix was seemingly tailored to his needs as a songwriter and a vocalist, there’s something more unrestrained lying in these poetic verses that makes me yearn to hear what he can do when there aren’t any studio walls around to restrict his output.
Jonathan Brenner isn’t playing by major label rules in his second album; from my assessment, he’s going out of his way to establish himself as an outside of the box-style of songwriter who cares more about making a big harmony than he does forming a familiar but catchy hook riddled with the usual indulgences we hear virtually every five minutes on the FM dial.
His spirit and his dedication are pretty refreshing to come by in 2024, and if he can continue to refine his sound moving into this new chapter in the history of alternative rock and crossover Americana particularly, I think he’s going to make a considerable impact on his scene sooner than some would expect him to. This is a record that lives and dies by the spaciousness of its concept, which, isn’t what a lot of critics are going to be left raving about this April. To me, Brenner is quite the methodical singer/songwriter, but at the end of the day, it is his moxie at the microphone that gives me the biggest thrills in Instagram Success.
Loren Sperry
Album Review
Big O redefines artistic evolution with “When it’s Not Said, But Done” album
Big O’s “When it’s Not Said, But Done” is a whisper of transformation narrated through rhythm, texture, and space. Across its fifteen tracks, spanning just under forty-seven minutes, Big O sacrifices flash for feeling and ego for essence.
The production feels like an artist who has finally quit chasing something external and is instead listening inward. The flow of the album is methodical but organic, with each track leading into the other as if they were diary entries. On “Free Spirit,” Big O creates a soundscape that embodies freedom in action, with rhythms that propel you forward. It’s one of those rare songs that can be at once contemplative and propulsive, with a slow revelation. And also, “New Found Joy” is an anthem for rebirth.
Big O’s production vision here is sweeping and cinematic, but also intimate. The presence of live musicians gives an organic texture. Jeronimo G’s xylophone on track nine tolls like an intimate conversation, while IB Delight’s saxophone on track ten blows satisfying warmth and longing into the mix. These collaborative moments are the crucial parts of Big O’s unfolding language.
Every choice, from the minimal artwork by Andriyan Robby to the in-house mixing and mastering by Big O himself, is consistent with the album’s spirit of transformational thought. In “When it’s Not Said, But Done,” Big O has created a statement on silent courage. It is an album for those who know that, in reality, real change does not need to be shouted from the mountaintops, but only heard, felt, and lived.
Album Review
W.C. Beck delivers a balance of stillness and introspection on ”A Mostly Quiet Life”
Singer-songwriter W.C. Beck has long been admired for his reflective storytelling and innovative approach that transcends traditional musical genres. His latest album, “A Mostly Quiet Life,” invites you into a realm where quiet moments possess considerable significance. The album spans slightly over 35 minutes and comprises eight tracks, offering a delicate yet bold exploration of life’s softer spaces, infused with subtle rock undertones amidst Beck’s signature mellow vocal style.
At first listen, two tracks prominently establish the thematic duality of the album: “Every Drop of Water” and “Blue Umbrella.” The former features a slow-burning intensity, built around subtle guitar textures and Beck’s emotive vocal delivery. It captures the essence of meditation, reminding us that even the smallest gestures and overlooked moments shape who we are. Conversely, “Blue Umbrella” introduces a different shade of his artistry, filled with wistful imagery and an almost cinematic essence, blending melancholy with underlying hope.
While firmly rooted in folk traditions, Beck incorporates elements of Americana, indie-rock, and singer-songwriter balladry, resulting in a sound that feels both timeless and uniquely his own. Unlike many records that tend to emphasize either softness or grit, Beck creates an atmosphere where both can coexist, allowing for reflection without losing momentum. With this release, W.C. Beck not only strengthens his reputation as a master storyteller but also reminds us that even in a fast-paced world, there is profound power in living quietly.
The album fosters introspection by exploring themes of solitude, ephemeral love, and the beauty that can be found in stillness. It transcends the notion of a collection of songs and is more akin to a journal, a quiet yet deeply expressive chapter in Beck’s musical journey. “A Mostly Quiet Life” serves as a compelling offering, ideally suited for late-night listening or those moments when life slows down enough to be genuinely appreciated. Beck illustrates that quiet doesn’t equate to stagnation; rather, it is within these hushed intervals that music can resonate most powerfully.
For more information about W.C. Beck, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM W.C. Beck’s ”A Mostly Quiet Life’‘ on Spotify.
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