Jim James – Regions of Light and Sound of God
Out now on V2
“I think I’m really being sincere…. I want a new life with you”. This lyric catches the contradiction of love and how it can make you feel so certain while, at the same time, pushing you to question everything. This could be a case of over analysis but, either way, it’s a nice little lyric and shows the subtle quality that exists on Jim James’ Regions of Light and Sound of God. You notice a myriad of small qualities within the crevasses of the music that build to create a wavering tower.
Regions of Light and Sound of God seems placed out of time. James says himself: “I wanted the album to sound like it came from a different place in time.” With this concept in mind, it could be argued that it affects the general listen of the record. Nevertheless, rest assured that this is a damn fine album and, if you have found your way to Jim James through My Morning Jacket, you will be delighted with this foray into sound.
This is not to say that Regions of Light… has a massive resemblance to My Morning Jacket. In fact, the sound often comes off quite dissimilar, with its quality and tenderness massaging you like a pair of big, gentle hands from a long lost love. It’s multi-layered, too. An adjective no better demonstrated than on A.E.I.O.U., where James states “the power’s going out” as his vocal lines cut in and out.
Music is like a drug, used to enhance emotions. Sometimes, this happens in unpredictable ways and the music that does this is the music worth listening to. This album is affecting in this way and several times over. It creates a feeling of appreciation for the very fact that you are listening to it.
Perhaps this review is tilting into overblown rhetoric. After all, Regions of Light… isn’t massively original or distinctive. However, every time it comes to pressing ‘play’, there exists no other temptation than to simply listen.
Follow Kemptation on…
By AHRALL payday loan