Franklin Gotham - Something You Remember

Franklin Gotham

Something You Remember
self-released; 2016

3.9 out of 5

By Mike Pryzgoda
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Something You Remember by Franklin Graham is an EP of power pop/Americana with some strong melodies in the songwriting and some clever lyrics throughout. Graham has some help from Kevin Adkins, Jarrett Nicolay, and Christopher Speech. The vocal melodies are infectious and memorable throughout. It wouldn't surprise me if you were singing these tunes in the shower after you heard them.

The EP opens with “Casanova,” driven by jangle-y acoustic guitar, melodica breaks, subtle synths and tambourines. The build works well and there’s a hilarious Ben Folds-like lyrical punch line that works at the end of the song. He sings "Where the fuck is my car (where's my fucking car)/Lingering sounds from the bar If I was your distant star (distant fucking star)/Would you be my lonely guitar."

“Forced Metaphors” is a power pop rocker that features some nice harmonies and nice guitar tone. The word “love” may be overused, although with the title of the song perhaps that’s on purpose. I was reminded of the band Wilco at times during this song. 

After a “Is it rolling, Bob?” moment, “Jamie” slows the EP down in tempo and features a gorgeous melody, melancholic hook in the chorus and some McCartney-ish guitar arpeggios throughout the instrumental parts that build it. “Want Ad” combines the vocal inflections and melodic strains of Marshall Crenshaw and the lyrical content of Fountains Of Wayne. There’s some good use of a drum machine, some interesting bass movement towards the end, and some Chris Walla-ish keyboards throughout.

The EP closes with “Still Beating Heart,” a Squeeze-like track full of rolling synths and some great drum work (especially in the bridge). The song encapsulates what Franklin Graham does best, combining pretty melodies, heartfelt lyrics and some interesting “odd” timbres subtly placed in the soundscape not to distract but to enhance

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