Jovial Phenom has just released Racks on My Mind, and it is actually a push and pull. He is a software engineer by day and a musician who writes and records at night. This song has the sound of both sides of his life in the middle.
The beat is solid, but not overpowering. Simple melody over sharp, quick drum patterns, with deep bass. It provides a little lift and helps the track to move forward, from beginning to end. Lots going on, but it still seems easy to take in.
The most notable thing is its story. Jovial has discussed receiving a notice of foreclosure, discovering a briefcase stuffed with cash, and deciding to give it up rather than keep it. This choice runs through the song. It isn't just about showing off cash. It's also about the power of money.
He recorded a lot of the track in an old unused bank building and that seems fitting. He made a song asking what money means, and he put it in a place to hold money. With that information, you can add a little depth to the track. It adds without changing the sound.
Also, there's a sort of confidence to his delivery. The vocals never come across as saying it has to impress. It's in tune with the rhythm, and doesn't depend on volume or bravado to get the words across. This makes it easier to listen to and return to the whole thing.
It's a shape that doesn't usually appear in this genre, due to the balance between two very different worlds, the logic of the day job and the openness of his music. It is considered and not rushed, and you can hear that patience when listening closely. He gave it some time, and you can hear it.
I like this one because of the honesty that runs through it for me. I'm sure it's easy to write another song about money, but Jovial has really thought through the message here. Racks on My Mind is ambitious, thoughtful, and really his own.
