Blending strong indie-rock riff-work with Americana solo-play, the first of two new singles from Joe Hodgson immediately sets a nostalgic and calming organic mood.
The electric guitar sound refreshes, the meandering nature of the solo feels genuinely free and expressive, and Bareback Blues goes on to bring in a thicker arrangment of power-chords and rhythms that easily engage and embrace listeners. This is the artist and composer lost in the moment, the guitarist at one with the guitar, and it feels partly reminiscent of a simpler time, partly of a genuinely new and exciting artistry.
Joe’s freely meandering playing rises up passionately from mellow to outright intense and gritty. It’s a soulful performance, and at no point does it simply adhere to expectation or where a solo might usually go.
Brilliant, an authentically new take on a classic format, experimental and emotive, intense and immersive; a pleasure to let play and instantly recognisable when all is said and done. A great title for a mighty instrumental.
Serena Sonata sets a more acoustic, tribal rhythm and contemplative kind of vibe. Here Joe follows a more mellow yet still soulful and expressive route with the electric guitar, injecting more of that unpredictable energy and progression, whilst vaguely holding onto a melody that again proves a clear calling card of the track. Those hints of Americana stand tall, and the experimentation appears to cry out – to express the inexpressible, or long for connection.
Soon enough, the track explodes into life, adopting a Santana-esque salsa-like dance realm with powerful lead guitar work and fast fingers that chaotically hypnotise and compel.
Having heard Joe’s music before, it’s always a known pleasure to press play, though I feel as if these two new releases speak in a whole other language – showcasing a whole other side to the musician’s creative repertoire and drive. Beautifully crafted, well worth escaping into for a while.
Grab the double A-side as of Friday October 16th. Check out Joe Hodgson on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or visit his Website.
