Sean Hopkins - pictures of nothing

Sean Hopkins

pictures of nothing
self-released; 2024

4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

​​​By ​Dino DiMuro

Sean Hopkins is a singer-songwriter from the arts community of New Hope, Pennsylvania. Before going solo, he led several indie bands and became well-known along the east coast for his folky guitar playing. His first album under his own name was 2022’s “Chasing Ghosts In The Dark” and he’s now following up with the brand new “Pictures of Nothing” which is available on Bandcamp and all streamers. The album is said to deal with “interpersonal relationships, and the need to nurture those relationships.” Along with his music, Hopkins hosts a YouTube channel which features original songs, cover tunes, guitar and gear reviews, live videos and a blog. 

“All About Love” begins with shimmery strummed acoustic guitar paired with acoustic piano, playing a minor chord progression with a distinct baroque feel. Bass and drums shortly follow, with Hopkins’ double-tracked vocals reflecting a clean, latter-day Beatles quality. In the chorus section Hopkins builds impressive chorus harmonies all by himself. The playing and recording of the drum kit is also excellent. Hopkins calls his music “indie-alternative-singer-songwriter” but this track to me is very much folk pop. The next track “Strangers in the Mist” has a Bob Dylan feel, and I assume that’s not just because I’ve been listening to Bob lately! Maybe add Jim Croce or Kris Kristofferson as well, thanks to Hopkins’ largely solo lead vocal and harmonizing acoustic lines. As a guitarist (though not as good as Hopkins) I can hear how his expert finger picking gives birth to the rolling, gentle rhythms of his songs. Piano on this track is credited to Desiree Hopkins.

The title track “Pictures of Nothing” adds chiming, lap-steel-like electric guitar to the acoustic strumming. The vocals here feel even more sincere, though perhaps it’s the gravity of the lyrics which brings that quality. The main riff is like a slower version of the Beatles’ “I Got A Feeling.” Overall there’s a bit of a country vibe. “Beneath the Stars” features a psychedelic middle section along with Hopkins’ already classic guitar sound. “Twisted Branches” has yet another Hopkins family member (Blaise) on additional guitar (I’m guessing he played the tasty, tremolo lead parts). Very cool mixing choices here for Hopkins’ voice, which repeats into the stereo void like distant memories. Kudos to producer and session player Woody Jiang!

“Bridges Tides Have Washed Away” has a cool, muted riff from the John Fahey school, with chiming electric guitars and expansive keys peeking in here and there. However the star in this track is Hopkins’ voice, which seems closer and more sincere than ever. Just a two minute song but it really stands out. “Nothing to Hide” starts out with Hopkins only on vocal and acoustic but has a surprise accordion capper and a final, quick burst of full-band sound.  “Silence Was a Friend to Me” is an introspective folk track that sings about my home town of Hollywood (“I can see Mulholland drive as your hand slips into mine… the coastline rises toward the stars.”). The cool moment here is an acoustic middle section that was purposely distorted and overdriven in the mix. The concluding song “The Child in Me” is the only track with co-writers (G. Eshbaugh, Eric Carlson, and Rand Hanson) so I was interested in hearing how it may sound different. What I’m finding is more of an early, jazzy Paul Simon arrangement, with trilling piano, glockenspiel, syncopated drum fills and spacey background fills. The rock section actually flirts with bass-driven dissonance and it really works! Clearly the most creative arrangement on the album. If you like your indie music on the quieter side, Hopkins has exactly what you need. Impressive!

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