Reviewing albums is not just a perk, luxury or something to brag about especially in this line of work. In my opinion to review an album, gig or anything of this nature is a sense of trust and to be honest with those performing or on a particular project. This person’s brand new album was released a few months ago and as soon as I saw, I really couldn’t wait to dig deep into it. Jonathan Sacramento is a respected journalist locally but he is also a very gifted musician. Jonathan as a part of Superwookle opened up for prog rock greats Marillion in 2007 and is also one of the original founder members of the Gibraltar Live Music Society. The album boasts of twelve original tracks and I am sure that it won’t disappoint
Onto the album..
THE WOODED STREET
When this one kicks off, we are met with a spectacular opening riff which is very mesmerising and pleasing to the ear. Jonathan’s voice really shines through and even the drums in the background make it an anthem of sorts and it is a great start to the album. It has an array of influences all mixed together and it certainly does the job, I hear and feel it sounds like something by the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers.
SWEET ISOLATION
When this one kicks off, we are met with a spectacular opening riff which is very mesmerising and pleasing to the ear. Jonathan’s voice really shines through and even the drums in the background make it an anthem of sorts and it is a great start to the album. It has an array of influences all mixed together and it certainly does the job, I hear and feel it sounds like something by the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers.
This is a rather fast paced track and could work as an intro to a great thriller. The guitars are on point and it really is one I was quite surprised by, not that it’s a bad thing to be surprised, by the way.. The drum track really adds a lot to it and it is full of adrenaline. Some really wicked stuff 🙂
MY ROSE
Jonathan’s voice is bliss on this one and the melody to the track will definitely have you stomping your feet, it is that good. I really like the feel and approach to it and with good headphones, it became by far one of my favourites from the album. The lyrics are incredibly catchy too and you will sing along, no doubt about it.
BANANA REPUBLIC
This one is an oldie but a goodie. I distinctly remember this one from the Superwookie album and it was one of my favourites then along with Ordinary Day and Take Me Far Away. The track has been modernised and sounds a lot more raw compared to the original. It sounds like a totally different song altogether but an excellent job has been done to also keep true to the original version. If you remember the original, you will be pleased to know that the riffs are still intact and they sound spectacular throughout.
HEAVEN’S FLAMES
The acoustic flair and opener to this one jumps at you and the message and lyrics speak to you in more ways than one. I have always really admired Jonathan as a performer and this one really does showcase what he is all about, especially as a songwriter. Listen to it and listen again, it is a contender for a track that I’d love to hear live and in an intimate gig.
INFIDEL
If there is something to admire quite heavily about the album is of course the energy it possesses. From 1:59 onwards everything is very majestic, it sort of reminds me a lot of Metallica and the influences as mentioned in the other tracks are quite visible but definitely should not be considered a bad thing
GAME ON
Game On is chicken soup for the soul. Yes really. The chorus is one that will stay with you and once you remember the lyrics, you will definitely sing along. As you listen to the album, you will be amazed, believe me. This one has an organ in it which sounds simply fantastic.
Listen to the end and perhaps you can use it as a positive influence, that is all I can say. The guitar solo melted my heart and floored me. Wow.
DEAD ROACH
The blend and array of the entire album is definitely something you will appreciate, especially if you are like me and you are diverse when it comes to your musical taste. You will be floored yet again and I don’t like the idea of repeating myself throughout but it is simply the truth.
UP IN FLAMES
If there is one thing I love about writing album reviews is that I get really lost in the tracks. I mean this is already track #10 which means we only have two more to go! Passion shines through in this one and you will definitely end up feeling every note and trust me when I say this, close your eyes and just listen. I really liked the approach to this one but I won’t say or type much more and let you discover it by yourselves 😉
SAVE ONE FOR LATER
The soft intro to this one is fantastic. Jonathan’s vocals sound different and he does a fine job. The piano is soft, sounds great and adds A LOT to what the track is trying to portray. One of the best on the album and like the album as a whole, it has got to be heard with amazing headphones. Magic, just magic.
ACROSS THE WATER
AND NOW we have reached the end of the album. Time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it? The quote “save the best for last” is used a lot these days but for this album it certainly is the right term to use. I absolutely adored this one and Jonathan’s voice, the melody, the lyrics and majesty shine through. I put it back on again as soon as I finished hearing it, that is how much I really enjoyed it. A great end 🙂
Verdict
In a lot of things I do, I am always crediting Jonathan for not just being a great journalist and one that I dare say we can all look up to. Growing up and being a regular on the old GLMS message boards lead me to where I am now sitting in front of my PC, writing this review and it was Jonathan as well as the rest of the then GLMS team (Jason Belilo and Alex Zapata) that gave local music and the local music scene such importance.
The album as a whole is simply fantastic. There are a lot of surprises and I sincerely hope that the labour of love that has gone into making this album is respected and that it gets a lot of love for what it is and that is local music at it’s best. A different approach all together but it is enough to purchase, stream and enjoy.
