Customer Reviews

Homesongs

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Whether Fridge remains together or not I don't know, but by listening to Adem's "Homesongs," and having been so impressed with Four Tet's two wondrous CDs -the work of Kieran Hebden, first member of Fridge to record on his own- it is clear that their imaginative and diverse brand of post-Rock will continue to yield gems through its members.

Adem, the bassist of the aforementioned band, takes, in this album, a different path than Hebden has. Where Four Tet has stretched and morphed prior Electronica boundaries, bringing cinematic quality to melancholia and a expanded sonic palette, Adem moves closer to Folk, a hushed and intimate vision of what he sees and expects.

Now, to call Folk "hushed and intimate" is hardly a insight, yet Adem's brand of it manages to accomplish something personal and extremely worthwhile. Simplicity is key here, yet simplicity that cannot be confused with timidity nor the absence of emotional depth. Also, there are enough -yet subtle and spare- hints of Electronica to make this album fairly original.

There are no duds here, yet certain songs are remarkable enough to be singled out. "Ringing in My Ear, "Gone Away," "Cut, and "These Are Your Friends" are astounding examples of why "Homesongs" may end up mentioned as one of the best things that comes out this year.

"These Are Your Friends," particularly, shows that this guy may be no fluke. Listen to how the song, unpretentiously develops into a chant as the chorus grows in passion -repeating "everybody needs some help sometimes"- and seamlessly returns to its soft-sung beginning. It may even remind you of some early Beta Band tunes.

For the sake of situating him someplace along people you may already know, I would compare him to another two young, great new artists, Gravenhurst and Jim Moray. Both of these people share a common interest with Adem by distinguishing their folk leanings with tasteful Electronica, and for creating a mood that I can best describe as "dramatic gentleness."

This is a tender and "wise-beyond-his-years" work. You'll be moved by it.

Having been one of the founding members of Post-rock band "Fridge", instrumentalist & performer "Adem Illhan", decided that making a move towards a solo career, would free him from the trappings of his previous "Post-rock" band. Those expecting a continuation of his previous work, will be disappointed to see that this bears little resemblance. Instead of the complex indie Rock & Cerebral Ambient Techno that earmarked Fridge's work, this is far more Reflective & subdued affair. Working within the relatively new "Folktronica" genre (Folk & Electronica), it more resembles the work of the Adem's friend 'Kieran Hebden' (better known as the electronic instrumental genius behind "Four tet").

But where Four Tet, are predominantly instrumental, Adem has taken the same approach to laid-back and elegant Indie Electronic arrangements, but stepped out from behind the mixing desk, and laid down touching Folk-inspired songs of touching beauty that is a curious mix of singer/songwriter songs mixed with subtle electronica & Acoustic Guitar.

On the opener "Statued" there's an almost fireplace warmth to the proceeds, with gentle brushes of electronic introspection & a slightly haunting feel, accentuated by Adems bittersweet vocal. The folk-styled vocal accompaniment to this tacks give the songs far more depth & substance, than being an instrumental version could possibly hope to achieve.

"These are your friends" although not a huge departure from the restrained nature of the songs, finds his organic/Acoustic sound becoming more deftly expressive and poignant, with a chorus that recalls the need for us all to need somebody important in our lives, this effortlessly brushes aside any preconceptions or criticisms, that this album is merely a irrelevant vanity project for Adem, as most will be unexpectedly surprised to hear that Adem is a talented songwriter, as well as composer. And this is all the more amazing when you realise that this album was largely completed at his home (hence the name "Homesongs"), and has a meticulous attention to detail & level of polish, usually missing from home arranged & produced albums.

There appears to be a melancholic/Sentimental troubadour approach throughout the album largely tacking various issues such as failure of relationships or friendships with "Ringing in my Ear", "The Long Drive Home", and "One in a million" all touching upon the complexities of Love & Friendship to varying degrees. but all share the common strain, insofar as all the tracks are atmospheric, yearning & beautifully sung & composed, with some mighty fine acoustic guitar work complementing the majority of the songs. And lift what could have so easily been a mediocre offering, into something a little known or undiscovered musical gem. If you're eager to try this because of you like the work of Adem's previous group, then you should be warned that this is far more of a folk-orientated, singer/songwriter album, than anything he's ever currently done, and armed with that information, you can decide whether this appeals to you.

But this actually shares more in common with artists such as "Four Tet" (with vocals) "Magnet's" sublime "On your side" album & "sufjan Stevens", and so long as your aware that this is more of a Alternative Folk album than anything else, you'll (hopefully) delight in one of 2004's acoustic gems.

Four Tet? Is this another freak occurrence of Domino discovering Four Tet quality genius? No, definitely not, not even close. So the reviews misled me again. Damn you'se! Anyway, this here is a mellow, smoothly produced, largely acoustic driven mash of world music influences, Nick Drake, and ... well, probably Coldplay. Thankfully Homesongs never approaches the realm of pretentiousness that is Chris Martin's home but it does buzz by boredom on many occasions. The album as a whole doesn't go too far and, unless you're intent on paying direct attention to it, you might space out and miss good size chunks of it staring at the wall.

There are redeeming qualities to it though, I'm sure, but damned if I can think of 'em right now ... it doesn't suck? Does that count? Uh ... the lyrics are fairly decent and if you are in the mood for loner chill-out filler this should be your forte. But if you're planning on blazing a joint with some mates even Air's Talkie Walkie would be a better choice as half your buddies will pass out by track three. But if you have exhausted Nick Drake's later work and Elliott Smith's Heatmizer stuff then Adem's your man. This is a prime example of what happens when simple songs become congested and overworked. There's often too much going on for what the songs need and the heart of the song gets lost in production. Then again, maybe it's just me. I have been wrong before. Give it a try and see.

I don't need many words to explain why this is an incredible CD.

Simple melodies, surprisingly beautiful lyrics, strong acoustics.

The result is one of the best albums you've probably never heard of.

This album is by far the best investment I have made this year. This CD has not left my player since I bought it 2 months ago. Adem plays a type of folk that really reaches out to the listener on a very real emotional level. These songs will touch you in a very personal way(not in a molesting type way I assure you).

I highly recommend to fans of Sufjan, NMH, and The Decemberists. Those are the type of people that will most likely dig this album the most. Now I count the days until he releases a new one....

I used to write these reviews all the time, at a time when I was two years younger and just beginning to establish a sturdy foundation of independent music in my soul. As the months passed and my comprehension of more and more music unfolded, I left Amazon for Allmusic and Pitchfork Media. This website left me with the keys to my musical enlightenment, but it had its boundaries. Amazon, thank you giving me my favorite album of all time, In The Aeroplane Over The Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel, and I regret that I left your humble home soon after I discovered that album's grace.

I come back to Amazon now after such a long time after discovering the most resonant album for me in the past year. It shouldn't take the reader long to guess that I speak of Homesongs. I came upon this album through a chance encounter with a friend...and he brought Adem into my life. First impressions: "Statued" immediately drew me into the album's intimate world, with the lightly hammered dulcimer and yearning vocals. (Adem is vocal heaven - beautiful, whispery, clear, emotional, and with unexpected melodical passages and cadences.) "Ringing In My Ears" was a nice, bright follow-up, but I drifted off after that, only checking back in for the peerless final track, "There Will Always Be."

Through circumstances, I became addicted. Emotion...what have you. All can say is what follows. You don't know who I am, so these personal matters might not affect you, but you can't ridicule me in person, so what the hell...here goes...

I cannot possibly give you an objective view of this album. My pro-Homesongs bias is inevitable. Personal matters. Amazing weekend. Reclined in the passenger seat of my car in the parking lot of the Children's Theatre before it was torn down...and she was beside me...and we had Adem playing in the background on the car stereo. This is the soundtrack to passion. By the end of that night, we knew the lyrics to this album by heart after it had been playing twice. Homesongs lodged itself permanently into our mutual being, as we sang along with true meaning to "There Will Always Be."

"And if all the lights that lead you

Lead you to my door

It will always be open

There will always be lights on

There will always be room at my table for you..."

And we held that moment. We cherished each other. And I fell in love.

I did realize the absolute brilliance of the songs themselves, too, over time, but I can do nothing to persuade you with that bit of information. And don't think that any album could have provided me with such a strong feeling because of the personal, passionate power found in the rest of the moment...I can't adequately describe it. I tried. My attempt failed. Now I end my emotional whoring.

this is the best thing EVER. that's all you really need to know. the most miraculous aspect of this folk/indie/semi-electronic album is the way it conveys wide open space. i have never heard anything like this before, and i have heard almost everything. poignant, haunting, and utterly beautiful.