Rating: ****
Vancouver alt-folker, DG Adams released a new full-length record on March 8 entitled "Nest of Vipers" and it just landed in my inbox for me to kick around during this lazy Wednesday I'm in the middle of.
I love when I don't have much on the agenda and I can really dig into an album and give it multiple listens so I can really give my informed thoughts on it. It's like taking advantage of a day off in the most fun way possible, but I digress.
This is Adams' second album and not being familiar with the first one is kinda nice as I'll be reviewing this one with no preconceived notions about the material I'm about to here. It's his second release, but to me, it's the only one...for now.
I'm gonna hop to it. My thoughts after the jump.
Listen to "Nest of Vipers" on Spotify by clicking here.
Ok, this definitely has a vibe. You can tell that he loves Nick Cave and Lou Reed right from the start of "Fucker" and is particularly evident on tracks 2 and 3, "Queen of the Sky" and "Vegas", respectively. The first part of the album is a slow-burn, but it's strong. The track "I'm Writing to Say" is a highlight. It reminds me of Mutations-era Beck. That's a good thing. "If I Ever Have a Woman" is blues-ey in the folkiest way possible. It's a near-perfect mix of Elvis Costello and Robert Johnson. Dope. "Gravity" continues the vibe of moody folk, but "Platonic Lovers" changes things up a bit with more of a lounge appeal. "Tell Me" delves into Tom Waits territory while "Hermana Hermosa" is a lighter-sounding ditty that we haven't really heard thus far. It sounds almost positive. "Father's Day" brings us back to the slower sad jazz that we've come to expect from Adams. Lyrically more straightforward and earnest, it's one of the more emotional tracks on the LP. "Running" has some energy, but it's one of the weaker tunes on the album, in my opinion. Title track "Nest of Vipers" is my favorite of the last portion of the album, and bears repeated listenings. Nick Cave would be proud of this one. We end on "Coyoacan", and it's melodic and pretty. A fitting end to an album that really needed a little beauty to tie up some loose ends.
Listen, this isn't gonna revolutionize the folk game but it's still a damn fine record. If you're into moody singer-songwriters this is gonna be right in your wheelhouse. Strong recommend from me.