A step in the right direction

American singer-songwriter Angelo De Augustine can make a music venue his own with the power of his soft vocals and delicate guitar picking. In his sophomore album with label Asthmatic Kitty and third album to date, Tomb is an album that is De Augustine’s most direct project, with every element coming together much more clearly than before but with a hint of nostalgia lingering in the background.

Coming shortly after the release of his 2017 album Swim Inside The Moon, the 12-track album starts with a quiet introduction to De Augustine’s personality. The title track represents exactly what we are used to hearing from the LA-based singer with a little more whimsy: soft, gentle vocals, mesmerizing keys and guitar plucking. Tracks like “All To The Wind” and “You Need Love, I Needed You” not only give the listener an emotional experience, but they clearly bring the best parts of indie and alternative music together. With a hint of The Beatles-esque melodies, the tracks again follow a format of light, pillowy vocals paired perfectly with a magical guitar.

De Augustine worked alongside Thomas Bartlett, also known as Doveman, a renowned musician and producer best known for his work with St. Vincent, Rhye, Glen Hansard and Stevens. Bartlett’s influence can best be heard on tracks such as “Somewhere Far From Home,” “Time” and “Wanderer.” De Augustine’s well-known intimate songwriting and singing can be best heard on the final track on the album “All Your Life.” The song takes a twist through wicked thoughts and the ever-pressing issue of time. “You can’t believe / That a match dipped in gasoline / Has the power to lift you from this dream / One I thought to leave / Now I’ll go and lead / Anyway time recalls / All your life.”

After taking the time to clean up the production of his last album, experiment and grow through the use of synths and keys, Tomb is exactly what was needed to follow up the sweet lullaby that was Swim Inside The Moon. Tomb leaves the listener in a state of bliss while still feeling a bit greedy for more.