Los Angeles-based artist Adam James melds each surf-pop radiance and heartfelt emotion on his new full-length One other Facet of Paradise, produced by Steve Stout (Øzwald). The album cowl serves as a callback to Seashore Boys’ Surfin’ Safari, and fittingly so; One other Facet of Paradise reveals clear reverence for ’60s surf pop and rock, along with timeless views on a quest for one’s private paradise. Significantly on the album’s gripping title observe, James describes the discharge’s that means as exploring how “though issues could also be lovely or life could also be going nicely in a spot reminiscent of L.A. there’s usually a whole lot of ache and battle occurring behind all of it.”
A psychedelic daze kickstarts album opener “One thing Will Occur,” as harmonious backing vocals and reversed guitar tones transfer into a mild acoustic drive. Lyrical reference to being at “the crossroads,” provides an pleasing introspection to the twangy guitar tones and weepy vocal feeling. “I had sufficient of this vacancy,” the vocals traverse extra familiarly, arriving into a beautiful title-laden sequence with caressing synths and flourishing woodwinds; it doesn’t take lengthy for the album to disclose its tonally and structurally dynamic charms.
“Get me to the ocean, earlier than summer season ends,” James’ vocals soar on the following observe, beckoning to “set me free, into the ocean.” “Earlier than Summer season Ends” delights in its comforting surf-pop verses and commencing wordless vocal harmonies, then gliding seamlessly right into a rock-friendly “get to you someway,” craving. The aptly titled “Rock N Rolla” strikes with brisk guitar/piano interaction, transferring into a stupendous “only a idiot for loving you,” lament as pretty strings enter the fold. Moments of each vibrant, frolicking piano and subdued orchestral grandeur co-exist splendidly on this standout observe.
Calls to “depart all of it behind,” and discover solace in paradise resonate on “Up and Comer,” one other stirrer in its infusions of moody piano-led developments and ‘Wall of Sound’ orchestral nostalgia. The album constantly resonates in its striving for bliss inside a world crammed with ache and battle, and “Up and Comer” is amongst the extra direct in declaring as such. “12 months of the Tiger” additionally envelops with its lonesome guitar twangs and contemplative lyricism; the vocals admit “this isn’t what I bargained for,” as emotions of “going off the rails,” persist. “This could possibly be the 12 months, I lastly disappear,” furthers the heady ideas and need for renewal, even inside acknowledgments of fading sanity.
The soul-searching “Morose on Melrose” asks “am I ever gonna discover a approach again?” inside a rousing mix of acoustic strums and glistening piano. The Los Angeles-touting central hook is wholly resonating, exuding a celebratory sense inside the introspective gloom. The album’s incredible title observe follows, emphasizing that “there’s one other aspect of paradise,” with haunting affect; ghostly vocal results and swooning strings transfer with intrigue alongside.
The lyrical progressions on “One other Facet of Paradise” and all through the album seem to invoke James’ personal expertise in Los Angeles. The album’s level of inspiration comes from what James refers to “a darker and extra melancholic time frame,” in Los Angeles. “I discovered a whole lot of my consolation with my little cordoba by the seaside, usually immersing myself with 60’s music,” he says. The one-two punch of “Morose on Melrose” and “One other Facet of Paradise” captivate melodically, in addition to with their views on how darkness can exist even in a prototypical paradise. Immersing in each vibrant surf-pop radiance and moody introspection, One other Facet of Paradise is a standout success from Adam James.
An album launch celebration will happen at Gold Diggers in east Hollywood, on February twenty fifth.