The major takeaway from D.C. Bloom’s latest outing, New Man, is a sense of comfort and contentment. There’s a well-being at the center of these eleven songs that makes itself felt even over some of the more concerned tracks (more on that later). But rather than diluting Bloom’s compositions, the smiles that abound on New Man make the record more accessible and enjoyable.
There are few stand-out classic songs here, but the details in the tracks provide a lot of mileage. The hopped-up jazz affectation of opener “Another Day” starts things out on a brisk trot. The similarly styled, but slower, second track “Dusty Wingtip Shoes” provides a stability necessary to set the stage for the LP. Bloom tries out different outfits than throwback swing/jazz, like in “On That Primal Shore” and “Blinded by Faith,” both of which resemble some of Bob Dylan’s darker material from the 00′s. “Oma’s Secret Garden” has an epic guitar solo.
Not every song is a success. Despite D.C.’s game performances, “Dirty” errs a bit too far on the silly side to be taken seriously. Though it should be noted that the lyric, “I’m grungy since before it was cool” is pretty funny in context. “Sitcom,” the final track, is trying to make a point about American obliviousness and our reliance on television, but it replaces insight with dated pop culture references and misses the mark badly.
D.C. Bloom is a maestro with female backup vocalists. Leann Atherton is a welcome presence on “Dusty Wingtip Shoes” and the punchy “Yes, Indeedy.” “Sexual Tension” is a slinking high point due in large part to Mo McMorrow’s guest spot. Jana Pochop brings similar appeal to the down-home, sauntering “Fits and Starts.” Bloom’s bold baritone is in fine form on the track, too.
The only song on New Man that I would argue reaches greatness is “Points of View,” which melds Bloom’s forceful melody with widescreen production (D.C. produced the record, as well) and a concise artistic statement. It’s the record’s most angst-ridden song, attempting to objectively describe the “culture war” 2011 America is immersed in. Heavy stuff. Maybe D.C. Bloom could follow this direction further on his next record. As it is, it’s good to have him back in the saddle, obviously having fun with his craft. I just expect Bloom’s work to cut a little deeper next time.
Final Grade: **** (out of five)
No comments:
Post a Comment