Crooked Cat Adams - Jupiter Moon

Crooked Cat Adams

Jupiter Moon
self-released; 2016

3.7 out of 5

​By Matt Jensen

Hailing from Nashville, TN, Crooked Cat Adams aka Patrick Barry is a singer/songwriter who recently released his sophomore effort entitled Jupiter Moon. There is a lot to enjoy on this album although Barry reminded me of other melancholy singer/songwriter types such as Glen Hansard and Conor Oberst while his voice and style felt somewhat elusive. I think this might be the case not only because of his delivery but the fact that he does attempt to sew together disparate styles instead of narrowing on in a defined sound.

This disparity is most apparent within the first couple of tracks. The opener “Pine Hills Reverie” sounds similar to Conor Oberst through the singing but the reverb-laced guitars have a more, hopeful vibe, which does contain a tinge of Coldplay. That being said the horns were a great addition and really helped the rather formulaic guitar parts. All things considered the song is really well written and Barry really does have a good voice and the lyrics obviously took some thought. 

The elusive nature of Barry’s style starts to emerge on the second track “There Goes Barry.” I thought the electronic drum and synth style bass felt a little sudden after the very organic sounding opener. That being said it's still a really good when looking at it by itself. The change in style and tone continues with the rocking “Beautiful Curse.” Out of three styles Barry attempts this one was the least interesting. There are some decent parts but felt like a run of the mill ‘90’s alternative song revolving around distorted guitars. 

Barry got back in my good graces with “Joan Of Arc.” The song is atmospheric and quite beautiful. His vocals sound at home here. Some singers just sound better with a tinge of melancholy and that's the case with Barry. “Joan Of Arc” is a powerful song and I was glad he didn’t go epic and grandiose. He kept it reserved, which was a good call.

The next highlight is “Bride At The End Of The World” which was my personal favorite. I enjoyed the unconventional drumming, singing and feedback from the guitar. “Ghosts Roam” is also an excellent song but I would have preferred a more natural sounding kick drum while the closer has another distinctly different energy. 

I’d say Barry is getting close to making this all click. He’s got talent and chops but I think some of it is a little misdirected. I think if he can find his own style a bit more then the world will be his oyster. Jupiter Moon is a good, arguably great, album but I still think his best works lies ahead.

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