Silent Ash is the solo artist Jeremy Lawson. He is a young college student who released a complete DIY effort entitled Alive.
The songs on the album are quite eclectic with a variety of different styles. That being said there is a singer/songwriter vibe to the music. There is a still quite a lot to be desired in the production department. His vocals often sounded too raw and the drums were often so low in the mix it was hard it make out what was going on. He opens with “Art” which is spoken word poetry. In all honest it reminded me of being in college again. I remember going to plenty of coffee shops hearing people recite with a very similar inflection. The first song is “Bliss” which opens with solo guitar. His guitar playing is the strongest element of the music. It’s almost a flamenco style and I suggest in the future he revolves his music around that aspect. I can’t say Lawson is as gifted in the vocal department. His delivery isn’t bad but I encourage him to keep practicing. The song overall has nice flow and I found the subtlest moments to be the most enjoyable although the sax sounded good. The next song “Sound and Sight” has quite a different feel. It sounds Mediterranean and it was quite complex during the opening. Once the verse hits it almost has a video game type vibe to the music. It turns into an uplifting song. “Nature” is a highlight. The spareness of the song works for him. The lyrics are very introspective, cosmic and existential. He sings, “The sky has no ending / Peace and quiet is waiting / Among the fields of green / A forest so serene / Sit and listen to the wind /T he sound of birds is all I hear.” “We Are One” is a pleasant instrumental song with nice guitar action while “Every Night” is another highlight. As the album progress there was a mixed batch of songs. Not every song worked but he hits more than it misses. Alive felt very much like it was coming from a young person asking existential questions. I’m fine with that as I think that your younger years (early 20’s) are often meant for that. It’s only natural it would come out in his songs. Lawson has some talent but there are plenty of areas he can work out kinks. I’d also advise him to brush up on production techniques or save up his pennies to work in a studio at some point. Overall, there is a good amount of potential here.
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May 2024
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