Review Summary: Progress is Slow, but Artistically Fruitful
It's been 10 years since Adam Johnson's Ep "4 Songs". This debut LP features mostly re-recordings of past material that's been on YouTube for years. Which serves to complement the theme of listening to someone's music changing over time. But it’s all condensed into one album. A concept that I had yet to hear explored in a single LP. The end result being a rousing success!
Which by the time you get to the last song, the production sounds a lot cleaner & the mixing is a lot more refined as it goes on. Adam pours his heart out on every track here, taking us through an emotional outpour that allows for various interpretations. Depression reflection, but primarily growth & change. Are the major themes this album presents us with. All seeming to be intertwined in the context of relationships. Its kept uncertain on multiple tracks the nature of these relationships. Whether they be familial or romantic. Some tracks are more obvious than others. But I'd be lying if I wasn't thrown for a loop while listening. Whether going through his struggles with being accepted for his sexuality or the mental trappings he struggles to overcome in hopes of finding real love. It's all explored in a very genuine & intimate way. The most clever thing we see throughout is Adam throwing out two seemingly contradictory ideas. That the viewer has to find their meaning from. Whether from "The Scab" line "I never go to sleep but I try to be a dreamer" or "It's not "you're wrong" or "I'm right" you lack objective eyes and I'm no better". There is always something lyrically that is able to grab the listeners attention.
For a first album this came together a lot more cohesively than even I expected. I was especially impressed by the lyrics. As someone who values the music over lyrics when listening to an album. I found these lyrics to be especially complex, relatable & emotionally resonate. Lines such as "You can't see the thoughts he hides. And truth be told, I have lost my soul. To love that has no life" or "Thank you for teaching me not to trust my broken heart". Tackling the idea that love on its own, isn't enough to keep a relationship healthy. However the overarching concept is how Adam has progressed as a person. While struggling to accept himself in the process. One that smartly is conveyed through both the writing & music simultaneously.
Which is not to speak ill of the musicality behind this project. Because Adam very successfully demonstrates his multi-instrumentalist chops. Featuring a surprising range of instruments including. Piano, acoustic/electric guitar, drums, cello, clarinet, flute, organ, trumpets, violin & double bass among others. It all comes together to create a diverse & full soundscape. Especially as these elements are spread throughout the track list. The heavy cello outro on "Spool of Thread" accompanied by the chilling breathing of Johnson. On “the Scab” we’re treated to the sound of a carnival gone to hell. As he cries out, wishing he knew how to quiet his mind just long enough to get a semblance of sleep. While songs like “Anything” provides a soaring piano based ballad. That employs some harmonious strings & a forward bass. The prevalence of the piano is also worth noting. As even in many other rock based bands, that employ the instrument. It's mostly reserved for ballads or transitions. While on 10 Years it can be found on every track, front and center. But the final track is probably the most complex song out of all them. A multi layered ballad that utilizes these tension piano keys, triumphant horn section & Adams most expressive vocal performance so far.
Can't wait to see what more Adam has to offer artistically. Hopefully it'll see fruition in less than 10 years this time.
Favorite Tracks: Spools of Thread, The Scab, Stop the Hand, Time Will Tell, Wishsticks, The Prophet, Strides, Anything, Acceptance
Least Favorite: Alternative Treatment
