The Gleeman // Even If You Miss // Album Review

Once again, folks, we are treated to new music by The Gleeman, and it feels like only yesterday since we last reviewed his latest offering. You’ll Land Among The Stars, and it was the perfect reminder that listening to an uncomplicated approach to writing music can be good for the soul. We are bombarded with so much information that musicians often take that to mean “more is more” in their vision and execution when producing albums.

But with The Gleeman, you have an exception to the rule, one written in the vein of the greats who preceded him and laid down a foundation of great songwriting and storytelling. Simplicity speaks volumes, and that is one of the endearing qualities I find when enveloping myself in such an album as this.

The album opens with an uptempo number with ‘Singing About You’ that’ll have your feet tapping along in no time, strong melodies and a rasping chorus will ensure you will be warbling too by the end of the first spin. While ‘It Aint Over’ brings back that melancholy quality I love about Dean’s writing style. I love an emotive song, everything about it, the subtle nuances that an artist can make a tune resonate from the very start. Everyone can interpret the meaning behind a song differently, taking something from it that provides them with reassurance and anchors them.

‘I Just Want To Be Loved’ is a beautiful, delicate ballad with its perfectly balanced vocal harmonies wrapping themselves around you like a warm blanket on a cold, wet winter’s night.

‘This Town’ with its acoustic intro and choice of notes paints a dark, haunting melody that paints its own picture, it gives the album a different feel from ‘You’ll Land Among The Stars’, as does ‘The Seminal Lie’, a rocking tune that packs a punch and signals a level of frustration from The Gleeman and the angst can only be expressed through a wall of distortion.

‘You Will Find Love’ is another haunting track with its beautiful piano work that demands your attention. The album’s closer, “A Financial Transaction, ” completes a body of work that tells you that The Gleeman does not hold back; he’s an artist who processes life through his songwriting and pours his heart and soul into translating that to his audience.

Even If You Miss feels like an extension yet a deviation from You’ll Land Among The Stars, allowing The Gleeman to push the musical boundaries and express himself even further than before. A timeless collection of songs to be savoured, allowing those intricate delicacies to melt in your auditory palate. It can be easy to work your way through a body of work like this hastily; allow it time to breathe and take it all in. You can thank me later.

Even If You Miss arrives March 27th.

Tracklist: