One of the greatest things a music-lover can experiences is the discovery of a new artist so exciting, so invigorating it makes the listener want to “really” write about it. Though I don’t write reviews under false pretenses I will admit many times I find myself writing reviews based on music that is to say the least – extremely forgetful. Sometimes, such jewels are found “underground” (or in this case Albuquerque, NM) other than mainstream media, but then again, that’s just one of the reasons why the indie scene can be so fascinating and exciting at the same time. Case in point Its a stage designed for creative people, a platform to let their art be seen, and in this case heard.
Enter DIY southwest composer Jacob Acosta writes us catchy, well-crafted songs with lyrics that connect with the good in everyone. His latest album “For the People by the People “ shows a flair for combining these with ’90’s indie guitar, synthetic drums and a love of the Top 40 Pop. The result? Radio-friendly songs that stay with you long after the first listen. It’s a fact that some artists have been around for a while bit nonetheless exist beneath our radar screens. Acosta is one of these artists bar none and up to now, no longer beneath the radar screen. He’s been beating the pavement on tour, has a string of release to his credit now and this his latest album contains 9 amazing tracks.
So how would I describe this CD? It’s a supernova of passion and sound exploding into your soul, a game changer in a world that needs a new musical direction. This latest string of songs is so invigorating due to the charismatic musical persona of Acosta himself first and foremost. Acosta who is bit of a one man band type composers in the vein of Beck – but this is not Beck. To me this is kind of a conceptual record, inviting a listener to experience and relate to the depths and levity of the restless soul with traces of Ben Folds Five, Artic Monkeys, Kiser Chiefs, Kasbian, The Fratellis and even Miles Kane – with an Indie Rock feel. These latest string of songs present an amazing blend of Classic Psychedelic Ambient Pop, College Rock, and even Folk Fusion. On the first few tracks “Walls”, “White Fire” and “So Fine” Acosta displays a spot on mixture of all of the above styles. His voice coupled with his impressive songwriters touch is really the pinnacle of it all. Acosta’s singing – soulful, pushing the envelope emotionally and somewhat magical. This is the perfect CD for late night college dorm bash, gathering, accompanied by an adjacent psychedelic party gone out of control. Now you get Indie rock.
“For the People by the People” by Jacob Acosta has a special melodic element to it combining rocking fretwork, well placed harmonies, a guitar-driven American rock-influenced beat that evolves perfectly as the CD advances. I especially like the amazing modern day dance “Foster for the People” pop feel. Why do I say this? Well because many songs like “So Fine” are so easy to dance to. Enter in the impressive work from Acosta meshed with the clever lyrics you have the perfect setting for a breathtaking CD entitled “For the People by the People.”
Jennifer Tomlinson
PRIMARY URL: http://jacobacostamusic.com/
Score: 4.5/5 Stars
