Post Description

Rocketing to success after his video/single ‘Passionflower‘ made YoutTube virality last year, it felt as if Jon Gomm had a lot to prove from his next release. It is never easy in music, to be expected to out-do yourself time and again. His live performance was certainly jaw-dropping, but could his studio production evoke the same effect?
After a couple of play-throughs, it becomes evident that Jon himself was aware of the challenges he faced in producing this “post-Passionflower” record. The outcome is nonetheless impressive.
The album features some familiar covers including Chaka Khan’s ‘Ain’t Nobody‘. I usually wouldn’t give much time to covers, but Gomm has made this one his own. It is a rhythmic and percussive track, and a keen display of his style and adaptability as a musician. With no vocal element it is transformed into a mellow, simplistic yet elegant creation – and a great driving tune!
Moving towards some solid new material are tracks ‘Wukan Motorcycle Kid‘ and ‘Deep Cut‘. This is where we start to really see the diversity that Gomm can bring to his music. With several albums under his belt, it’s great to see his repertoire expanding as he looks to different inspiration, bringing unfamiliar characteristics to his signature style.
‘Wukan Motorcycle Kid‘ is the kind of intermittent song that takes a while to digest. But given time, you see it’s value as an exemplary piece of composition. Instrumental in it’s entirety, it has an oriental vibe and a fusion of style and technique. The song is a reflection of all that Jon Gomm has to offer while also showing a complete deconstruction of the “rules” of songwriting.
‘Deep Cut‘ is without a doubt jazz influenced, complete with a saxophone accompaniment. There’s something dark and sultry about the track. It is comprised of female lyrics by Natasha Koczy and Gomm’s harmonies. That being said it is catchy, memorable, while still holding some obscurity.
I feel no need to critique ‘Passionflower‘, as it’s fame at this point needs little more attention. It does appear on the album, I would be surprised if it hadn’t. What does deserve mention is the most undeniably hard-hitting track on the album entitled ‘There’s No Need To Be Afraid’.
To say I was blown away by the track is an understatement. From the classically reminiscent intro there is a sense of something special here. In a way only Jon Gomm can master, the music is talking. The track is lyrically deep, laden with soothing vocals filled with emotion. In the same vein as ‘Passionflower‘ it is delicate but packs a punch. The melody has the ebb and flow of a rising tide, the song itself surges with waves of emotion. This is what we always hoped to hear on a Jon Gomm record.
Technically speaking, ‘There’s No Need To Be Afraid‘ is not his most challenging work, yet it is crafted with an elegance and beauty that far outweighs the technicality of the song. It carries the track from start to finish. This is the song you’ll want to listen to on repeat, as you won’t tire of it easily.
Secrets Nobody Keeps is one hell of a statement. If Gomm set out to prove what he was made of, as more than just a one-trick pony, this has certainly done the job. Not every track left me entranced. But despite the highs and lows, the outcome of this record is simply spectacular.

Tracklisting:
1. Jon Gomm - Telepathy (5:01)
2. Jon Gomm - Ain't Nobody (3:45)
3. Jon Gomm - There's No Need To Be Afraid (5:17)
4. Jon Gomm - Wukan Motorcycle Kid (5:12)
5. Jon Gomm - Deep Cut (6:50)
6. Jon Gomm - Orville (The Secret Of Learning To Fly Is Forgetting To Hit The Ground) (5:40)
7. Jon Gomm - Passionflower (6:54)
8. Jon Gomm - Message In A Bottle (5:10)
9. Jon Gomm - Dance Of The Last Rhino (3:22)
10. Jon Gomm - Everything (9:49)

Extra Informatie:
Aantal Discs: 1xCD
Genre: Rock, Acoustic
Format: MP3 @ 320kbit
Year of Release: 2013
Speelduur: 57 minuten
Cover: Front is in de RARs verwerkt