Following in the steps of a pair of electronics-embellished folk EPs, Eclipse is the debut record from Richmond, VA's addy. As with addy's previous work, Eclipse's contemplative magic was produced entirely from home studios, lending a crucial flexibility to the album's overall recording process, the final product of which belies its modest, DIY studio accommodations. Led by the eponymous Adam Watkins, addy's compositions navigate universal themes of friendship, heartbreak, and growth on the terrain of eloquent, country-reminiscent instrumentation. Natural ASMR-inducing textures and Casio-sequenced drum hooks create a unique rhythmic foundation for addy's distinct lilt, itself occasionally adorned with honeysuckle-sweet pitch correction which lends the folkish twang an unusual yet modern slant. Lead single "Planted" captures many of Eclipse's salient elements with its wailing violin and pedal steel, evoking the strong emotions associated with healing and growth. On "Easier," addy longs to alleviate the pains of a near-and-dear friend, whereas the album's triumphant apex "Eclipse" turns the reflection inward in an entrancing, climactic ode to the self, punctuated with notes of optimism and hope.
I totally would if I hadn't just gotten started on a different review! If I knock it out quickly enough I might take you up on that suggestion though. Been letting life stuff get too in the way of writing, need to get back into it!
Gave it a shot myself. What do you think? Open to any & all comments since I've never tried this before. Eclipse is the debut album of addy, the Richmond, VA based project led by the versatile Adam Watkins. This semi-sweet release of home studio magic delivers folk songs that are brushed with enough electronic flair to give them a pop feel. The poetry of the lyrics shine as themes of personal identity, transition, and growth are sprinkled over a backdrop of familiar outdoor scenes like gardens, ponds, and nights spent out in the yard. Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, the album is full of breezy songs like "Easier" and "Equinox" that are sure to make you reminisce about simpler times. But it will not leave you to dwell. There is positive affirmation to be found in the forward-looking tracks like "Garden Snake" and "Pattern" which bookend this release and point out that if nothing is truly permanent, a commitment to change is all that's needed to start again. RIYL: Bon Iver, HOVVDY, Freelance Whales, Trace Mountains
He threw an EP of demos up last week for bandcamp Friday. It's every bit as good and soothing as the LP.
Yeah, unlike many other albums from the January through March, it stayed in rotation throughout the year for me. Great album.
This was in my top 5 for 2020! I consider it my quarantine record since I got into it in mid March as things were shutting down for the first time.
this is one of my favorite springtime records. it's great always, but especially good during March & April. can't wait for new stuff.