Album Review: Bridge

James Brodie is a songwriter, producer, and performer based in Te Aroha, and he has recently released his latest album, Bridge. This album was inspired by a terrible road accident, and James’ subsequent journey of recovery.

The first track is God’s Angels, which is introduced by a slightly mournful acoustic guitar arpeggio, before being joined by the vocals. A well composed song of self-discovery, strong and competent guitar playing, and well thought out lyrics. However, I found the mix to be a little challenging, with the vocals sitting in an uncomfortable way over the guitar, and his singing voice is not strong, frequently flat and venturing out of key, with both the mix and the vocal issues continuing for the entire album. Neither of which prevent enjoyment of the songs, though.

Red Hill Mountain Town is the next track, another well put together song, James certainly has a gift for composition. The lyrics are sweetly evocative of small town life. By this point, I’m very much finding myself becoming a fan of his guitar playing. There’s a lovely structure to this track, a great progression, and it’s solidly played. On Desertman, James’ gift for composition shines through again, the mood of the song shifting between pensive and subdued, to open and broad, and back again. Deft playing on the mellow arpeggios, and very expressive on the more powerful strumming.

There’s a slow pace to Elstow, reflective of the overall mood of the lyrics. A song of introspection and regret, but also of gratitude. Song 12 is one of faith and patience. A similar mood and feel to the previous track, yet it stands ably in its own place. I enjoy James’ structuring of his guitar parts. The emotion surrounding his faith is palpable, an uplifting song. His innate skill as a guitarist is clear yet again on Stepping Stones. Another choice arpeggio intro, a beautifully composed song, short and sweet. I admire the strength of his lyric writing, I love that he can take ideas that have been explored by countless lyricists and poets before him, and make them uniquely his own. Marcheur speaks of apologies, but of owning one’s mistakes, and standing strong in self-belief.

James lays his heart bare with boldness and pride on Survivor, a song redolent with thankfulness for the faith that he leaned on to bring him through his healing journey, a song of courage and renewal. Breathing Out is an artful composition. I’m loving the guitar playing on this one, he’s such a capable player, and it continues to become clear how much thought and effort has gone into these songs.

The final track is Ocean, and it’s the only track on the album to feature more than just vocals and guitar, with some subtle percussion helping to drive this one along. The “bridge” theme infuses these lyrics, as it has permeated the rest of the album. I admire James’ bravery in opening himself up so completely in this album’s lyrics, vulnerable yet so powerful.

A beautiful album, which could be further enhanced by revisiting the vocals with more strength, and the mix with a little more care. Undeniable strength and talent in composition, lyricism, and playing. James Brodie continues his solo acoustic tour of the North Island throughout August and September, and into October.