Denver-based multi-instrumentalist and jazz musician BEOM translates a decade of session experience into his self-produced debut album, HOME. Drawing on his background in classical theory and jazz performance, the record merges intricate low-end movements with English and Korean lyricism. The result is a lovely, sophisticated array of jazz-inspired harmonies and synth layering, marking a transition from his roles as a mentor and session player into a distinct, boundary-pushing solo identity.
Opening the album with a warming, bass-forward mystique, “Sunshine” evolves into a hypnotic array of tender guitar twangs and chiming rhythmic intrigue. Dreamy vocals enter with a “you could be my…” smitten hopefulness, the ensuing “feel your warmth a galaxy away” affections combine well with thumping rhythms and vibrant guitar and key intertwining. The artist’s knack for both melodic and atmospheric emotional resonance is apparent here, and also on the subsequent “Paint Me Blue.” There, lush guitar riffs — fit for island escapades — groove into starry-eyed synth backings, overall succeeding with a caressing, tropical-feeling allure.
The album consistently impresses in its quality songwriting. Another such case, “Give It Time” achieves a bouncier charisma in its bustling bass line and stutter-y vocal effects, evolving into a satiating, industrial-pop likeness in its outro. Elsewhere, album finale “My Moon (달아)” dazzles with a thoroughly intoxicating blend of drum/bass headiness, danceable synth shimmers, and tranquil guitar pluckiness, putting a compelling end to an album in BEOM’s HOME that enthralls in its continuously melodic, atmospheric glow.
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“My Moon (달아)” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
