Stephen James Smith has released his debut album ‘See No Evil’. The 9 track album was recorded during lockdown in Co. Wexford, after Stephen found himself moving there from Dublin during the pandemic which presented the opportunity to work with Gavin Glass in Orphan Recording Studios. Stephen was awarded the Music Industry Stimulus Package under the Recording Stimulus fund to help with the making of the album which is due for release on ‘Nymphs & Thugs’ an independent record label based in the UK. Stephen is the first Irish artist they are working with. The album is produced by Gareth Quinn Redmond and features a host of other artists such as; Conor O’Brien (Villagers), Jess Kav, Laura Quirke (Lemoncello), Cormac Begley, Camin Gilmore (Sun Collective / Crash Ensemble), Aidan Murphy, Conor Cunningham and Albert Karch.
‘See No Evil’ is an absolute delight. Throughout the album, Stephen James Smith creates vivid imagery through the medium of evocative poetry and expressive instrumentation. ‘An Ode to Tony MacMahon’s Den’ is a fine example of this; through eloquent lyrics and supple instrumentation ( enhanced by traditional lilts ) Stephen James Smith brings the exciting scene to life “come gather round and listen there’s a ramblin session beginning, Kerry is descended upon Dunlin in Tony MacMahon’s Den“. The pieces of composed music behind his stirring poetry is at times cinematic while at other times brooding and bubbling with tension underneath – his depiction of isolation in ‘Iomramh’ is wonderfully emotive and the icy piano and eerie soundscapes within ‘I’ve’ Had Lovers’ is simply a joy to listen to.
The characters within his tracks are relatable and James Smith narrates his stories with flawless commitment. Perhaps this is best displayed in ‘The Gardener’ – a powerful display of James Smith’s musicianship. Lines such as “her hands are warm, the flesh loosened by age….. Her eyes are still young, still, life to be lived” are combined with soft twinkling piano to express the artist’s complicated relationship with his mother “A sick child and a broken marriage all this and I don’t know how to speak to her. I always want to hug her and I don’t know how. So a veiled kiss laced with courtesy will do“. It’s one of many heartbreaking and earnest tracks on the album, that spark contemplation within the listener. Another line within the track that leaves the listener in lasting grimaces is the hard-hitting “nor did I expect to be knocked by the answer to my question, would you like grandchildren? I asked my father. I’d have liked a daughter, he said” – the lingering music and pause after this line enhances the emotional weight behind the lyric. It is an excellent display of James Smith’s deft musical prowess that creates a sense of shock and leaves the listener aghast by the words themselves.
‘See No Evil’ is a powerful thought-provoking album. James Smith creates poems filled with honest moments and emotive chills. There is much to admire from this album from sincere emotive lyrics to cinematic soundscapes and expressive instrumentation. Love it.
Stream ‘See No Evil’ below
Author: Danu
