Jake Allen – Deviant Motions
Mindy McCall
Posted On May 2, 2018
Jake Allen – Deviant Motions
URL: http://www.jakeallenmusic.com/
Although it was his second album, I was first introduced to Jake Allen in 2009 with Etherica. It had a jazzy tone – that straddled flamenco and Americana. It’s a treat then, to see how far Michigan golden boy, Jake Allen has come in nine years. The result is the prolific Deviant Motions. While some of today’s musical audiences prefer live recordings or garage-band like gunk, Allen’s masterful guitar work and polished production in the 14-track album deserve rewarding accolades.
Still, I’m not sure where the word ‘deviant’ comes into play. Because he follows his own path? Does Allen have some underground, hush hush secret? I didn’t get that vibe whatsoever. Perhaps he’s urging the listener to create his or her own path and deviate from the norm. Don’t just go through the motions.
It doesn’t take long to get into Allen’s influence. The first song “The Picture” paints a vivid layering of rock – synth fusion with Americana flare. Allen, who finger plucks guitars, has this old-soul to him. His voice certainly doesn’t sound old; his vocals are suave and crush worthy.
While you’re still crushing on his voice from the first track, he seduces you in again and again in “Bridges,” Scorpio,” “If You Fall Apart” and “The End of Us.” He’s like a favorite pair of jeans; his songs are easy to fit into. They just click. “Scorpio” for sure is just one of those songs that you can’t escape. It’s quite the earworm. If you like 30 Seconds to Mars, you will totally crush on this song (and again, on Allen’s voice).
“Imprismed,” “A Dream,” “Troubadorial” and “Drowning In A Shallow Paradigm” have a spiritual-like element. No, not churchy. Rather they are progressive, New Age-like level. Think Tears for Fears with some folksy-woodsy fusion. These songs, as in all of the tracks from Deviant Motions, have a fuller sound – the instruments really leap out of the studio. There’s so much joy and energy. I could also see any of these tracks on a soundtrack to a coming of age drama or comedy. Allen’s talents continue – his songs lend to the imagination.
I think that’s Allen’s strong suit – that wall of sound and mixology of genre-bending music. He speeds things up with it calls for it, and slows things down when the time feels right. A great example of this is the second track “Bridges.” The listener certainly trusts Allen to ascend, even if you’re anticipating something completely different. I would be curious to see if he ‘deviates’ from the songs in a live setting – does he improvise on stage?
Overall, Deviant Motions is impressive. High marks indeed. It’s enjoyable and easy to get through. The songs all feel like the perfect length and are different enough where you don’t feel like you’re on rinse repeat. His timing couldn’t have been better – while it’s been nine years since his last album, Deviant Motions is ready for summer enjoyment. Kudos to Michigan’s Jake Allen.
PURCHASE LINK: http://radi.al/FT8nKzC
Andrew Knapp
