Art is subjective -- and sometimes it's curious what appeals to you.
Hold You Hard is the latest from solo songwriter Sam Russo about travel, memory, and experience. There are stories of celebration throughout this record. Yet, for whatever reason, it's the somber, sadder songs that strike a chord with me as I listen to the album.
"Gator Lodge" and "Padlocks & Germs Burns," for example, tell tales of revelry and human connection. Somehow I don't connect with those songs (even though I've been to both locations) -- but I do feel the mood of the moment in "The Muckleshoot Casino" and "Lifeguard Tower."
While this record brings a full band into the mix, as compared to just Russo and a guitar, the song structures still fit that singer-songwriter mold. It's more about the lyrics and the story progression than instrumental variety. The louder full band adds some more diverse sounds, but the vibe is lyrics-first with the music as a compliment.
Of course, there are always exceptions. "Santa Monica Waves" uses a perfect crescendo to bring it all home, and right after it "Whinny Whinny" adds harmonies and more upbeat drumming. In these instances the full band really stands out.
Through much of the record I gravitate toward the acoustic songs where the tone hinges more on vulnerability than connection. It throws me off, as I'm a sucker for those we're-all-in-this-together whoa-oh songs from other arts. But with Russo I have the opposite take. Still, here I am, listening to Hold You Hard on repeat and it's forcing me to look inward -- meaning it's definitely struck a chord. Just not the one I expected. Art is subjective. And it's full of surprises.
