Jake Allen releases new album ‘Deviant Motions’

Jake Allen

Like the soundtrack to your summer or a diary entry, singer-songwriter Jake Allen captures into music what one is feeling and even more so, how one’s heart sounds. Allen’s approach is neither hard rock and roll or boy band pop, but rather his own organic alt-rock, synth-infused vulnerability. In the album, Deviant Motions, the songs’ sultry undertones and musical waves captivate the listener.

 

Allen, who calls Michigan home, seems to capitalize on a wide selection of cityscapes and rural settings. His music balances these vibes. It’s his musicality – on Deviant Motions you can clearly hear massive guitar work, cascading keys, violin, harp and of course subtle percussion. At their core are Allen’s vocals – a voice so inviting and empathetic you feel as though you’ve known him your whole life.

 

 

Much like Gavin DeGraw, the vocals of Jake Allen seem to all have a big gesture-like quality to them. I found this to be the case especially in “Bridges” (track two) “If You Fall Apart” (track four), “The End Of Us” (track five), “A Dream” (track seven) and “Troubadorial” (track eight). Allen’s earnest emotions cross gender and age. He takes the idea of a modern serenade into the same ballpark as Peter Gabriel did in the iconic “In Your Eyes.” There’s such a humbleness to his work – he drives up the anticipation (especially in “Bridges”) only to keep you moving along and motions you to come join him in this adventure.

 

“Scorpio” the third track is probably the most solid pop sounding section on Deviant Motions. It’s airy. It’s a bit cute but still innovative. One contender for standout song is the sixth selection, “Imprismed.” This song really bends some electronic waves with some traditional rock sounds. It has a richness going for it, at the same time, it stays back into an instrumental corner. Allen’s voice is still heard, but it seems mixed at a lower level. I really dig his delivery.

 

“Dust And Spider Webs” is also a cutesy track. It appears to be about moving on, or some analogy for something that’s taking space in your life. Or, maybe it’s actually about dust and spiders in a house – time to clean! After a few listens, you find yourself humming along to this one. But, it’s not a top track. I’d like to think Jake Allen is making a grand, artistic statement, but my gut tells me it’s about a house. Shrug.

 

There are 14 tracks on Deviant Motions and some of them probably should have been trimmed (likely contenders are “Dust And Spider Webs,” “Lascivious” and “Still.”). Allen’s musical muscles are strong – his follow-up album the impressive Etherica (2011) is proof he’s maturing and growing as an artist. (Allen released the eight-song Sleep in 2009) I think any and all of these tracks would translate to a live performance very well. I’m certain Allen’s voice will be just as lovely outside the studio. Two thumbs up very high for Deviant Motion.

 

PURCHASE LINK: http://radi.al/FT8nKzC

 

 

     -review by Phillip Moore  

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