Jonah Leatherman - Ensuring My Uncertainty

Jonah Leatherman

​Ensuring My Uncertainty
​self-released; 2023

4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By ​Dino DiMuro​​

Indie rock artist Jonah Leatherman from Fort Wayne, Indiana has just released his second full-length album titled Ensuring My Uncertainty. Leatherman is described as a musician who is “shouldering sonic inspiration from indie rock to early country coupled with a deep and ardent appreciation for craft, seeing parallels between his work as a musician and that of an antique furniture builder or dugout canoe carver who values the attention required to create something truly special.” Leatherman also very much appreciates literature and the written word, and mentions Kurt Vonnegut, Virginia Wolf and George Saunders as influences for his musical stories. 

Leatherman has described his music as falling somewhere between indie and heartland rock, with some classic rock elements thrown in. Thematically this new album aims to explore “the paradoxical nature of the human experience, where separation and unity coexist and harmony interwines with struggle.” Through his songs, Leatherman hopes listeners will be moved to contemplate the intricacies of life and reflect on their place in the world. I had the pleasure of reviewing Leatherman’s first solo album, the self-titled Jonah Leatherman, so I’ll be listening to these tracks with memories of that original collection still fresh in my mind.

“Overlap” is a loud, jangly alternative rock tune, and Leatherman’s voice again reminded me of Peter Townshend even as he boasts songwriting skills not too far from old Pete. Leatherman definitely prefers a more retro sound, even accepting that alternative rock is retro by nature. In this song the electric sitar is the biggest clue to this tendency, which is an instrument some people think makes you sound dated. That’s the point! Leatherman hopes this track sets the tone for the entire album, “capturing the essence of interconnectedness and the hidden beauty found within similarities.”

“Whatever Happened” is a minor key pop gem with shimmering, bell-like keyboards (paging The Monkees!) and another beautiful vocal line by Leatherman, concluding with a fuzz-laden but gorgeous lead guitar. “Clairvoyance” has a sumptuous, high-end vocal and ringing chords that recall The Byrds and their contemporaries. It’s got a dramatic, pause-and-build device in the verses that I found quite original. “Panoply” features prominent acoustic guitar and melodic bass for a minor key, contemplative ode to “a full suit of armor.” Might that be emotional armor? 

Even starting with the title, “My Punishment” feels like one of the most personal songs here, featuring very intimate vocals and soft backing tracks. Almost feels intrusive to listen in! “It’s Only Me & You” underscores the Who connection with blasting power chords that could have come from Tommy. Leatherman’s voice is a bit “all over the place” here but I never hold that against a songwriter, as it adds to their authenticity. And yet again the chord structures are achingly sweet. There’s also some classy chimed lead guitar toward the end. 

Still more inventive guitar work frames “Emergence(y)” which makes me wonder if Leatherman was secretly writing pop hits in the late sixties! Seems like I say this every song but his guitars totally make a statement as the track reaches its peak. “Victory Lap” (and Leatherman certainly deserves one) is an appropriate final song name and features mostly picked acoustic guitars, so nicely played that they border on Romeros territory. The general feel is Gordon Lightfoot but this is clearly Leatherman’s artistic voice at its most unadorned. Just beautiful!

​So glad I got to follow up with this artist and you have a treat waiting if you check him out as well. Excellent!

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