Joe Adhemar - ‘The Synesthete’
The new album by Joe Adhemar is titled The Synesthete. It is dark and moody, but yet there is a genuine sense of realisation, fun, and peace that comes from the listening experience. The album effortlessly fuses genres and keeps us on our toes in all the right ways. Here is what I thought.
“Found Out” kicks off the album and it is a nostalgic tribute to classic rock ‘n’ roll. The fret work by Jim Sanger adds to the traditional vibe of the song, reminiscent, for me, of John Lennon’s sound in the 1970s. Joe’s vocals are well-executed, with a spacious tone that complements the grooving guitar and drums. The bass line is steady and pulsing, providing a strong foundation for the song. The highlight of the track is the organ solo near the end, as the backing vocals layer on top, creating a rich and harmonious sound. This waltzes us into the next number.
“Revolution by #” is, again, a unique blend of classic rock ‘n’ roll influences. The track evokes memories of John Lennon… not the chopped-up tape on Abbey Road’s floor. There is no George and Yoko smoking a spliff to the sound of a slow piano piece in B minor whilst a recording of an EMI engineer says “number 9.” “Double Fantasy” era is where we are at. This can be heard with the drum choices and great backing vocals by Alfie, Joe’s 7-year-old. The guitar solo also carries the spirit of Lennon, while hints of Bowie can be heard in the overall sound of the song. Joe’s versatility as a producer is evident in the way he merges different genres to create something new and fresh. The vocal distortion adds to the funkiness of the song.
“Hopper (ft Skylu) - Invisible Squirrel Remix” is a tribute to classic dance music from the late 1980s and early ‘90s. The addictive rhythm of the drum machine beats and pulsing bass line drives the song forward, creating an energetic vibe. The addition of Skylu’s vocals is a brilliant touch and I think Joe should definitely do more collabs like this. The song builds nicely, with dynamic breaks adding depth and interest to the track. The tambourine adds movement and drive. This is a well-crafted dance track that nods to the great dance music of the past, while also delivering something new.
“Glitter” begins with a pulsing synth and shaker over a steady bass line, setting the mood for a reflective and introspective track. Joe's vocals are heartfelt, delivering wisdom and emotion through his lyrics. I am not sure how much of the album is confessional/ autobiographical… but there is a feeling of experience and maturity. The drums and synths slowly build, creating an atmosphere of tension and excitement. The addition of an arpeggio synth and piano ices the lush and layered soundscape. The vocal performance is the standout of the track, delivering a powerful message with a gentle touch.
“Buried” returns us back to guitar-driven sounds, with the addition of an organ adding to the rhythm. The dirty guitar and touches of distortion create a dark and gritty atmosphere, while the swirling ear candy just adds to this mood. There is a definite prog rock vibe in this song, with the combination of guitar and organ driving the energy and intensity of the track. The vocal performance adds to the darkness of the song, with a raw and emotional delivery.
“Blocked Artifice” is again another song that has dark and brooding tones. The song explores destructive personal traits that some people may express often irrationally. The piano provides a haunting low-key accompaniment. There is sadness in this song but also clarity. The edgy drums and guitar work create a sense of tension, while the vocals deliver powerful and emotional lyrics. The song sails towards the end, heading through a reverbed night with the feeling we have emerging from a storm.
“Make a Sound” brings back the sounds of bands like Men at Work and Michael Jackson in his prime. That’s my take. The rolling beat of the drums allows the bass to pulse beautifully, while the guitar and synths add to the vibrant atmosphere of the song. The addition of lovely backing vocals and a beautiful string ending only add to the musical richness of the track. “Make a Sound” is fun and playful.
“Demons” takes listeners on a reflective journey with its relaxed and dreamy atmosphere. The panning guitar creates a spacious feel, while the synth sounds build the song into a sound reminiscent of Brian Eno or The Chemical Brothers. There is a healthy nod to the electronic synth Gods. It’s a beautifully crafted piece that invites listeners to contemplate their own demons but also to find hope along the way.
“You Wouldn't Know” is a nostalgic trip back to the early 1970s. Jim Sanger’s guitar work is impeccable, adding to the vintage atmosphere of the track. The combination of piano, electric piano, drums, and bass create a solid musical foundation that is elevated by the addition of a synth-like sound that adds a touch of psychedelia. The vocals are well-sung and again have a storyteller feel to the delivery. Joe gives the impression of writing from memory and the music is the vehicle that helps transport listeners back to that time.
“Fierce” returns us back to earlier sounds from the early 1990s. The synth sound has a hard acidic feel to it as it rumbles over the growing percussion. There is a grittiness to the overall sound. Almost an “industrial” feel. Synths dart across the panning spectrum and grow in complexity adding layers that create a surging rocking pulse of momentum. The chorus is powerful and distorted.
“The Crows” is, for me, the standout track of the album and showcases the Joe’s growing ambition as a songwriter and composer. The blending of sounds has produced a song that can only be described as a swaggering honkytonk rock number. The crow sounds at the beginning set the tone. I did get images of Alfred Hitchcock when listening. The rock guitars, drums, and tambourine all come together to create a juggernaut of playful darkness. The piano work is awesome. Joe's vocal performance is noteworthy, as his passion and energy are palpable. The verses are recited with growing dark passion. There is a real soul to this song.
“We Hear The Colours” is a great album closer that captures a sense of longing and restlessness. But Joe doesn’t leave us here… he knows to take us out on a high. The use of strings to set the tone for the song creates a haunting atmosphere, which is further heightened by the lyrics. The bass and drums add a pulsing energy to the song… but the clean electric guitar adds a sense of calm. Joe's vocals are again conveying a deep sense of introspection. The music begins to gain a sense of momentum and brings comfort. Joe almost chants a mantra of us all residing in “the monochrome” until we gain a realisation of unity. The song builds to a powerful crescendo, with the strings and the end guitar solo lifting the arrangement to new heights. I can imagine listening to this in a car driving along an open road. The song fades into an ambient like dream.
Joe’s new album is a journey through classic rock ‘n’ roll, electronic dance music, introspective ballads, and nostalgic trip back to the 1970s stopping off at a few places along the way in the DeLorean. With versatile production skills, Joe merges different genres to create something confident and engaging. The album showcases outstanding performances from everyone involved. The standouts for me though are “The Crows” and “We Hear The Colours.”