Artist: The Liquorsmiths
EP: This Book Belongs To
Production: Recorded at Inhesion Studios in Atlanta and Citizen Recording in San Diego; Produced by Jeremy Grelle and Drew Thams; Mixed by Jeremy Grelle; Mastered by Rodney Mills
Passionately and candidly expressing your personal hopes and fears in an enthrallingly powerful communal setting is a task that people often shy away from, as they don’t want the world to know their weaknesses. Captivatingly embracing those perceived vulnerabilities in such a permanent and accessible setting as a record is an even more daunting experience for many people. But the San Diego-based indie folk rock band, The Liquorsmiths, intriguingly embraced that challenge with their upcoming EP, ‘This Book Belongs To,’ which is set to be released on August 21. From the soothing and entrancing instrumentals from Ryan Fischer and Clayton Payne, to the reassuring vocals of singer and guitarist Drew Thams, the Americana group grippingly strives on its natural ability to create relatable songs, in which they aren’t afraid to fully reveal their true emotions and motivations.
The first riveting entry on ‘This Book Belongs To,’ which is titled ‘Coy With Me,’ begins with a soothing guitar introduction from Thams, whose vocals are intriguing similar to Bob Dylan’s voice. The vocalist passionately reminiscences about the entrancing times and rebellious moments he spent with the person he loved, as he’s not a fan of growing up. But he also intriguingly recognizes the fact that he has to mature, particularly in his effort to be a hero for his son. In the process, he learned to embrace who he truly is as he moves on from those seemingly carefree times, in an effort to achieve his dreams. The song’s overall minimal production and instrumentals make Thams’ lyrics both bittersweet and understandable.
The EP then moves into the more upbeat entry, ‘Get Well Soon,’ during which Thams sings that he hopes the person he cares for gets better. Despite his loved one’s illness, the singer, along with Fischer and Payne, created an intriguing song that would play perfectly in a pub, as it celebrates people’s lives. Thams’ guitar, along with the instrumentalists’ keyboards and drums, encourage listeners not to allow their circumstances drag them down, but instead use them to achieve their goals.
‘Iris’ Song’ is the next enthralling track on ‘This Book Belongs To,’ as it begins with a completely distinct melancholy guitar introduction. Thams notes how the person he loves powerfully has both a hope and strength that helps them build their lives together. As the two realize the true importance of embracing their family in their home, they can finally protect them from the outside world, and stand up for what they believe in. The reflective vocals the singer offers against the intense instruments proves how versatile the band is when contemplating how to best defend their beliefs. ‘Iris’ Song’ then compellingly gives way to ‘Thief,’ which also features strong drums and keyboards, as Thams’ mellow vocals passionately delve into how to best connect with the person you love.
‘Devil I Do,’ the next riveting entry on ‘This Book Belongs To,’ begins with a soothing acoustic guitar introduction from Thams, who once again powerfully incorporates a sophistication into his vocals. The track passionately explores the band members’ drive to find who they really are, which prompts them to fearlessly jump into a new adventure. They admirably admit that they aren’t afraid to do whatever it takes in order to better understand the people around them. They also strongly emphasize that the people they love can lean on them whenever they’re in pain, as they set out to overcome the evil forces in their lives.
The final track on The Liquorsmiths’ upcoming EP, ‘Day By Day,’ smartly utilizes more simplistic, but still equally effective, guitars, drums and organs, to remind people to make sure they have what they truly want in life. Thams’ powerful lyrics and vocals remind the band’s listeners that even though they can immediately be entranced and consumed by someone they just met, they still have to ponder if they can be happy with them. Since relationships don’t always last, the song is a powerful reminder that people must always contend with all aspects of their relationships, no matter how challenging they may be.
‘This Book Belongs To’ is a revealing and captivating exploration into why everyone should openly and confidently express their true personal feelings and circumstances, no matter how their vulnerabilities may appear to the rest of the world. From Thams’ passionate singing and guitar playing, to the intense keyboards and drums from Fischer and Payne, the indie folk rock band admiralty isn’t afraid to reveal their thoughts, ideas and feelings to everyone who can relate to their circumstances. From the soothing ‘Coy With Me,’ on which the singer encourages people to remember and embrace their past relationships as they continue to pursue their goals, to the compelling ‘Devil I Do,’ which captivatingly inspires people to battle their own pain while also helping their loved ones, the rock band’s new EP will entice and empower folk and non-folk fans alike.
For more information on The Liquorsmiths, visit the folk rock band’s official website, as well as its Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube, Soundcloud and Bandcamp pages. Listen to ‘Get Well Soon,’ the first single from ‘This Book Belongs To,’ and watch the band perform ‘Coy With Me,’ below.
Written by: Karen Benardello