TomJohn - Into The Woods

TomJohn

Into The Woods
self-released; 2019

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

TomJohn is a father and son musical duo from Belgium. They explain that Tom came back because of turbulent times and I surmise that is part of the reason they started working on into the woods.

​The album leans towards darker tones and textures not unlike what you see on the album cover.  The vocals really reminded me of Pink Floyd but so did the more cosmic and epic qualities they strive for in the music.

“Show me the way” is the first song on the album and is indicative or what else you will hear. There is this pensive and haunting quality to this music while at the same time it is beautiful.

I would say “Open the door” is an even better example of this. The vocals are very dramatic here and the mood starts off haunting but really digs into the warm and nostalgic Pink Floyd vibe. “Rise again” is a highlight with a lot of texture that is atmospheric.

“The other side” is an instrumental song that felt a little more aligned with post-rock which gets intense with metronome like drums. “The hunter and the wishing well” seems to be more ominous. The vocals are at points hyperbolic where he sounds like a villain. “Into the woods” goes back into post-rock territory while “Listen to the wind” is an undeniable highlight with some of the most beautiful and haunting moments.

As an engineer myself I have to admit I was having a hard time with the electronic drums which try to sound organic. It’s a little hard to explain but there is something missing that live organic drums seem to capture.

Overall, I thought this was an immersive album and it attempts songs which feel grand whether they are haunting or going for something more hopeful. I also think it’s great that a father and son are making music together. Take a listen.

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