Two Coasts For Comfort: Album Review
Debut Record from Halifax Singer-Songwriter Jon Bryant
Nov 9, 2009
If Damien Rice and Dallas Green made music together, it would sound a lot like Halifax singer-songwriter Jon Bryant’s debut album Two Coasts for Comfort.
Released independently on October 28, 2009, the poignant 11 song record couldn’t have come any sooner for Bryant or his fans. After a fairytale journey of getting his music recorded for free in Calgary earlier this year, the finished product can only be described as a sigh of relief.
That said, Two Coasts for Comfort can be described a watercolour painting. There are many layers and brushstrokes plastered over the canvas. Bryant has been playing and developing these songs for the past couple years in pubs and coffee houses across the country and the studio versions capitalize on these experiences.
Two Coasts For Comfort A Great Debut Record
His voice and music bleed together seamlessly and are sure to echo into the upper echelon of the listener’s mind. He was smart to keep the music simple the first time around. The acoustic guitar is the main instrument used with some subtle instrumentation and background vocals peppered throughout on songs like the City and Colour-esque "The Hallelujah" and the funk flavored "Texas Tea."
The simplicity and candid nature of the album won’t allow the listener to skip through the songs. The finger-picked "Seattle" perfectly captures the feel of the rainy city and the longing to go back to where you feel you belong.
One peculiar feature is the cover of the age-old hymn "Were You There." The rendition Bryant provides makes it fit well with the other songs and gives it new legs to stand on.
The Music Is Simple And It Works
Bryant articulately taps into the human condition on the six minute "Deaf". He explores his fear of living a life of comfort and safety, instead of journeying down the road to discovery. The unanticipated level of maturity this young songwriter shows in his lyrics is truly a gift.
“I’m still scared of routine/not quite broken in/cause when you’re on the untamed road/days don’t stay the same.”
As far as standout songs go, "The Hallelujah" is easily a contender. The lyrics are strong and the hand claps and distorted drum beat interspersed throughout give it a sense of gravity. The subtle reverb on Bryant’s voice makes his already strong voice carry the song with ease. The chorus is the highlight, with Bryant’s vocals showing the range he is capable of.
Bryant Shows Strength In Songwriting
“I still believe that God and man have similar groans/we’re looking for a drama played out on our own.”
Bryant sounds comfortable singing these tales of life, art, and spirituality. Truly, there is no line drawn between his life and his music. His songs are merely an extension of who he is.
Two Coasts for Comfort is a solid beginning for this talented musician on the inevitable music career he would have to be a fool not to take.
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