Adam Fleming - Taken Seriously

Adam Fleming

Taken Seriously
self-released; 2021

4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

Adam Fleming is a indie/psych/folk songwriter from Dublin, Ireland who recently released his debut album entitled Taken Seriously. Fleming explains “My music is inspired by the more introspective and weird music of the great ’60s songwriters (White Album, Something Else by The Kinks, Syd Barrett and Richard Thompson) and also more contemporary artists like Elliott Smith.” Fleming was also nominated for Folk/Acoustic Artist of the Year 2022 by Radio Wigwam.

The album opens with “The Silent Answer” and as an Elliott Smith fan I picked up on those vibes right off the bat. I loved the guitar picking on this song which reminded me of Kurt Vile. Although guitar and vocals are the center of this song the drums, vocals, harmonies and other elements that are added make the song feel bright. Great opener. 

“Victory” starts with a sustained hum, guitar and vocals. The slide guitar and other elements which come create beautiful dynamics. Fleming hits it out of the park in terms of the vocals. I was definitely enjoying the warmth and inviting music.

“I Can See The Sun” starts with such an inviting melody. It feels like the warmth of the sun and when the rolling brush work enters that song has an airy quality. I also thought the psychedelic sounding synths were an interesting element I wasn’t expecting.

Fleming has more success with the more melancholy and introspective “Dress Rehearsal.” This song sounded somewhere between Father John Misty, The Beatles and Elliott Smith. Fleming sounds fantastic with some melancholy in his voice. The song blossoms with orchestral elements which made this song feel like a clear highlight.

“I Wish I Didn't Know” brings up a mood which mixes emotions. I was getting a sense of gratitude here. I was yet again reminded of a warm song at dawn. “Taken Seriously” is a little more dissonant and contains a sustained drum guitar. It’s a hypnotic song and grew on me the more I listened. “Time Passing By” and “Bedroom Curtains” continued to reinforce the signature sound as well as the talent of Fleming. Another high point was “Another Mind” but “Old” might be my personal favorite. The banjo on this song was fantastic and similar to previous songs the way the instruments unfold adds so much to the dynamics.

​I loved this album. It’s raw, organic and feels real. The emotional connection isn’t something you need to search for. It’s right there in front of you to be grabbed. Highly recommended.

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