jeffo and the heads up - timekeeper

Jeffo And The Heads Up 

Timekeeper
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Jeff O'Connor aka Jeffo has been involved with music since he was a kid and it has consumed a good portion of his life since then. He started playing guitar at the age of seven; he acquired a certificate in instrumental pedagogy to teach music in high school and most recently released a full-length album entitled Timekeeper. The music is pretty straightforward and at its most basic is pop music under the umbrella of rock not unlike bands like Coldplay or even Oasis. Jeffo provides thirteen highly accessible songs almost all of which are between four and five minutes long. The music is recognizable and feels familiar as you listen to it. It builds upon the basics. You get a good dose of piano, guitars, bass, and drums, and up front and center vocals. 

The album opens with “The Question,” which is one of the highlights on the album. It’s a rocking affair full of distorted guitars, a fast BPM and enough energy to give you a jolt of adrenaline. I thoroughly enjoyed the brief manipulated vocal samples he implements before the first verse. I was actually hoping for more of it as the song progressed. The second song “Aging” scales back the energy and replaces it with nostalgia. There was a definite Coldplay vibe on this one that showcases a prominent grand piano as well as soaring chorus that felt prolific. 

“We collide” is a well put together but predictable song. It relies on soft verses and soaring choruses. Jeffo goes melancholy on “The Promise,”  which eventually segues into grand heights before dissipating with piano and acoustic guitars. “What you are (not)” is a straight up rock song that brings some good vibes while “The Sign” is arguably the best song on the album. 

It’s obvious that Jeffo put his heart into this album. He sings with conviction and it seemed as if it was a cathartic experience for him. The album is cohesive; well written but it also relies on tried and true formulas that sometimes feel rehashed. Overall, there is a decent amount of material that will make it worth your time to check out.

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