Powered By Joy - EYES WIDE OPEN

​Powered By Joy

Eyes Wide Open
​self-released; 2022

​3.6 out of 5 

By Jamie Funk
​

Powered By Joy is a project from Steve Larsen. Larsen is a self-proclaimed truth seeker who has been on what he calls a “spiritual journey most of my life in one form or another.” About a decade ago he released a solo album entitled Beyond Belief and is now back with a new two- song release entitled Eyes Wide Open. He collaborated with Chris Leonard (owner and engineer at Gremlen Studios in Aurora, IL) on guitar and bass, J-Man (drums), Larsen’s son Thomas Larsen (drums, lead and backing vocals) and Thomas’ wife Ally Larsen (backing vocals and keyboards).

The first song is the title track “Eyes Wide Open” and starts with some strummed chords and vocals. He sings about religion, society and authority. The rest of the band comes in and you get some solid bass playing and a steady drum beat. I liked the chorus yet something did feel a little odd about the contrast between happy go lucky vibes throughout the song and the political commentary. The song follows a familiar structure going back and forth between verse and chorus and then an explosive outro.

The second song starts with solid guitar picking. I thought Larsen’s vocals sounded much better on this song. His vocals to my ears just sounded more natural with a more pensive and melancholy tone although he struggles to hit high notes. The other instrumentation is subtle but adds enough dynamics to keep the song going as it moves forward. I was getting slight Simon & Garfunkel vibes through the entirety of this song.

The two songs have contrasting styles and energy but felt smooth and went together well. I thought the production was well done too, especially on the second song “I’ll Be Waiting.” Larsen mentions these songs are “socially conscious.” Perhaps there was some of that on the first song but “I’ll Be Waiting” just seemed like a straightforward song about longing and love.

​Larsen isn’t reinventing the wheel here but the songs are pleasant and well written. I also love a comeback story and the fact that he got the family involved. Take a listen.

Powered by Joy · I'll Be Waiting

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