Homeless Jones - Baby Steps

Homeless Jones

Baby Steps
​self-released; 2020

4.0 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

The solo project of Andrew Zizik is Homeless Jones. He states on his Bandcamp page that Baby Steps was recorded at home during the quarantine. The music fits into what would be called bedroom indie pop. It’s an album that is full of songs that are just flat out fun and infectious.  This music reminded of a couple different artists and to my ears sounded like a mix of Animal Collective and Tame Impala.

The album is full to the brim with music. There are thirteen tracks total and I was pleasantly surprised that every song felt up to par in terms of hooks but there are some incentive transitions and use of color. For example, things can get dark and then can suddenly feel like there is levity.

The subdued bedroom funk is apparent on “Polyrhythm Girl” which is a prime example of the similarities to Tame Impala between the psychedelic flavor and even the vocals. “I Like Your Vibe” is absolutely hypnotic and such a dynamic song. You will end up moving to the beat even if you’re sitting down.

There are some different flavors. Take for instance “Driving Backwards” which is a killer track and I loved the dragging hi-hop beat on this song. This is an example of Zizik’s complete mastery over the subtle tonal shifts of emotion.

As the album continues I can't say anything fell short. That being said I thought there were some highlights. The off-kilter love song “Surrealist Plea” takes so many twists and turns and all of them unveiling new tools in his arsenal.

“Special Kind” is super lush and a unique spin on a ballad in some ways while the heavy hitting “The Depths” pushes his production skills into new directions. “Highroglyph” is a reggae influenced song and one of the high moments on the album.

​Baby Steps is an example of bedroom indie pop at its best. It’s not only the production however. Don’t be fooled that this is the only factor. Behind the inventive production is exceptional songwriting that would hold up strummed on an acoustic guitar. Take a listen.

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