A glimpse of hope
Jason Narducy works with multiple great bands together, but his band Split Single really shows how great Narducy is when it comes to songwriting. Now with their newest album, Amplificado, the band is ready to take it to the next chapter. Narducy is responsible for vocals and guitar, while Jon Wurster is on the drums. Usually, the bassist is changing from album to album, and this time is it’s REM’s very own Mike Mills.
The album starts with an instrumental “caPtAIN calamIty’S crUde pRoCessiON.” The instrumental has a very military-marching feeling while simultaneously being very quiet and rather in the background. The following track, “Blood Break Ground,” features some solid guitar work and sets the first note to the rest of the musical experience that awaits with Amplificado.
“Stone Heart World” contains this certain little spark of hope. It’s all in the music, even if the lyrics don’t always reflect it. Narducy stated the album revolves around the anxiety many felt in the last year, with politics and the pandemic. So it’s not far off to have some hope amongst the daily anxiety routine. The acoustic track “Adrift” takes a step back, and Narducy gets real. The emotions in his voice contribute to the intimacy of the song just as much as the violins and piano in the background. Just because of this rawness of emotion, this song is one of the highlights on the album. Also, the production of the track is just too beautiful to ignore.
The previously released song “(Nothing You Can Do) To End This Love” is a tribute to the LGBTQ+ community through and through. Especially during Pride month, this song will definitely win over people’s hearts. Narducy said about the video that was released alongside the song: “The visual narrative is in line with the lyrics but also evokes what many of us are feeling with vaccines, more sunshine, and the wicked witch out of office: finally something to look forward to. I hope it makes people smile, and I hope it makes people feel less lonely.”
“Worry” starts off with a very Placebo-esque intro, well, modern Placebo. And again, between all the worry, there seems to be a light in the dark. Something about Narducy’s vocals and attitude just gives hope to the audience.
Amplificado clearly shows the many talents of Narducy. He produced a remarkable album that did what it intended to do, give fans hope and provide a metaphorical rock to hold on to during darker times.
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