Jules Reuben Kessler - Colorized Friction

​Jules Reuben Kessler

Colorized Friction
self-released; 2017

3.5 out of 5

By Dan Weston

Jules Reuben Kessler is a musician from Greenbrier County, West Virginia. There is no denying that he has some chops because he was selected to perform with the top wind symphonies and choirs in West Virginia as well as the All-National Honor Band. Kessler also released an album entitled Colorized Friction.

​His tackles a number of genres on this album including folk, some jazz and even rock. He said, “I wrote many of the songs while abroad traveling through Eastern Europe” and the influences were not only about someone he was away from but also immersing himself in new cultures.

Up first is “Prologue: In Response” which is an instrumental song that isn’t exactly indicative of the rest of the album. There is a good amount of lead guitar and it reminded me of that specific genre. Nonetheless I was impressed with his technical chops.

After a pretty hefty instrumental opener we are introduced to vocal based songs. He starts off slow and steady with “Lost but Searching” which has a very Pink Floyd-esque vibe. The lyrics are existential. He sings, “I’m searching for something that doesn’t exist. I’m longing for someone who I’ve invented. I wonder who'll show that I am reaching for nothing.”

“To Be Undone” was a style where he really shined. The song has a singer/songwriter vibe to it with clean organic instrumentation. It’s also very uplifting and catchy. The opposite could be said about “My Love Ain't Rich” which has a much more melancholy vibe.

“Within Without” was a standout. I especially appreciated the organ and bongos with the song’s Rusted Root-esque vibe. Another standout was  “I Sigh (feat. Kelsey Pressnall).” The kazoo is great. He closes with the title track which is a more cerebral song.

I have to admit the vocals were hit and miss for me. Some songs seemed to work better than others. The production is good for complete DIY but I’d like to hear future songs professionally recorded at some point.

Overall, this is a solid album from an artist who has a lot to offer.

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