Adam Christian Bass “Between Worlds” (LP) 

Adam Christian Bass’ debut album Between Worlds opens new avenues of self-expression for this freewheeling creative spirit. Tenures as a teacher, filmmaker, and coach manifested an underlying desire to tell or facilitate stories, and turning to actual songwriting is a natural evolution. Bass labored mightily to realize the potential evidenced during Between Worlds’ ten tracks. However, these songs aren’t overworked and drenched in sweat. Bass’ writing and the performances sparkle with genuine inspiration that invites repeated listens.

URL: https://adamchristianbass.com/

A keyboard/synth flourish transforms into a delicate acoustic guitar melody to open “Lift Off”. Bass peppers the arrangement with fluid understated percussion that physically connects without ever overpowering listeners. Bass embraces an unquestionably Latin flavor for the album open, but it isn’t purist in any way. Pop sensibilities burn bright in the heart of “Lift Off” and remain one of the album’s defining characteristics. The subject of “Snowman” is self-explanatory once you begin listening. It has considerably more bite than its Caribbean-influenced predecessor. The song’s electric guitars boast a stylistic sheen far more common to pop music than outright rock. Bass’s voice has obvious limitations but nevertheless has commanding authority. The instruments contribute to this as well.

Pairing piano and organ to open “Silent Picture” creates an immediate memorable mood. Bass introduces a brief guitar melody before launching into the first verse. His storytelling attributes reach one of the album’s zeniths with this track but avoids even a hint of stridency. It’s emotionally affecting without ever sounding ham-fisted. The single “Hurricane” goes in a stronger theatrical direction than before. However, Bass’ pomp and circumstance surrounding “Hurricane” has a measured quality lacking from more amateurish efforts. He has a clear vision for this song, and his music overall, that comes through with a single listen.

“Magnetic Touch” will win you over with a single listen. It shares the same rock inclinations as the earlier “Snowman”, but Bass further focuses them here. “Magnetic Touch” largely eschews pop sensibilities in favor of guitar-driven dynamics. The slow and emotive amble of “A Father’s Love” is another place Bass illustrates his impressive songwriting diversity. He weaves a tapestry of guitar lines from beginning to end that set this cut aglow with a delicate light. Between Worlds’ finale “Wrinkles of Love” accentuates the same theatrical flavor in a handful of the album’s songs. It’s a successful approach once again.

AMAZON: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B0CGBKNS5J/adam-christian-bass

Bass’ recurring insistence to tackle the flesh and blood details of our lives reaches a zenith with this song. It has a surprising amount of ambition. However, Adam Christian Bass’ Between Worlds proves his artistic aims aren’t off-target. His decision to shift the focus of his creative endeavors over to music pays off with an invigorating release that holds up under repeated listens. Between Worlds is full of convincing human drama. You’ll hear the passions, triumph, love, and messiness that characterize our lives. It’s as auspicious of a debut as you’ll hear in recent memory, promises even more for the future, and balances entertaining listeners while making a substantive statement with satisfying results.

Mark Druery