Christopher Tubman
Have you ever wanted to go back to the good old days, or relive those memories that are so vivid and joyful from so long ago? So vivid, in fact, that you feel like you can just reach out and touch those memories as if they were happening right then and there. Go back to the days when everything made sense and life was simpler. Christopher Smith knows the way back, and wants to help you find you’re way as well. Christopher Smith is the Harriet Tubman for the poor souls enslaved to a depressed state.
Earning Keep is Christopher’s second album following his debut album in 2010 where his adult lullabies constructed the nostalgic feeling of youth. This follow-up album expands on his previous work and involves quite a bit more instrumentation while keeping a simplistic sound that resonates within the soul. “Pins on a Line” is an emotional track that calms a depressing mood and creates an optimism for the future. Using his dynamic crooning voice, Christopher can invite optimism while the instrumentals are painting a different picture.
The violin is used throughout the album and its drawn out notes are eerie and mysterious. The guitar playing is simple and direct keeping the tracks moving forward by taking the driver’s seat. The Bass rides shotgun with its’ rhythmic beats and checks the blind spots for the guitar by really filling the silence. The piano happens to be along for the ride as well and it strikes the chords that tug at your heartstrings and is a bit reminiscent of Coldplay or Snow Patrol. The drum set may be in the trunk, but it sure does make a lot of noise. “Samson” is an excellent track where the drumming is excellent and creative using the cymbals effectively.
Earning Keep does exactly what the words mean, earns its’ own keep. It is a fantastic album that only adds to this terrific summer. Relax, smoke a fatty and enjoy this album. It will bring you to a place where happiness was and can certainly be again. Recalling all of those vivid memories of happiness can help show you how to achieve it again. So in full, Christopher Smith doesn’t take you back to the better days, He helps you to create even better ones.
-Butch Cassidy