Arc Iris – Self Titled Album Review

Jocie Adams is like an onion. Her music, is also like an onion. There are layers, upon layers, and then some more layers to both her as an artist and the music that she churns out, and every layer you peel back is even more remarkable than the previous one. I first became a fan when I saw The Low Anthem and heard her gorgeous harmonies, awe-inspiring playing of an uncountable number of instruments, and the mysterious and subtle joy that she brings to the stage. Her new band, Arc Iris is no different. The band, made up of Adams, Zach Tenorio-Miller on piano, Mike Irwin on trumpet, Robin Ryczek on cello, Ray Belli on drums, Max Johnson on bass, and Charlie Rose on steel banjo and trombone (wow, that’s quite the line up for this record) is truly a well rounded and multifaceted group of players. With Jocie at the forefront, constantly seeking out new ways to create vibrant textures of moving music, this debut album is a pure example of that.

‘Singing So Sweetly’ is a fun listen. It has an old timey, barroom piano-honky tonk-old time movie-New Orleans brass feel to it, with haunting breaks, and is a roller coaster ride of a track.  A truly dynamic song, and a fantastic one that really captures my attention…I listened back about 4 times the first listen through the record.

‘Honor of the Rainbows I’ is a slight digression from the tracks preceding it. More of a classical arrangement with vocal inflections, it proves there is something for everyone on this record. These folks could play your local rock club or a large orchestral hall and still fit in. Variety, dynamics and they keep it extremely interesting.

The writing is smart and pensive. Lyrically, Arc Iris makes you think about the music you are listening to. There is no “my baby don’t love me, he so mean” here. Which trust me, has its place and I am a fan of. But I truly love their use of words and phrasings here. It makes the songs wistful and introspective. There are many memorable lines…so truthfully, I just can’t pick one to quote!

There is a child-like splendor to Adams’ voice. It is enigmatic and cautious, but commanding and poised at the same time. Her voice is just nice to listen to. It’s pleasant, it makes me smile but at the same time she is intense at times, sexy, passionate, and deep. Occasionally drifting above the instrumentation but also having the ability to dig into your chest and give your heart a good firm squeeze. The record is on the upbeat side, but certainly has it contemplative moments as displayed in Canadian Cowboy. With it’s piano and string guided arrangements. Light horn introductions and a warm and tension building sensory vibe. It really pushes and pulls the listener in a creative and successful way. Beautiful.

This record is incredibly vibrant and varied. It has hints of folk, sprinklings of jazz, do-wop, pop, rock n’roll and somehow that all comes together in a way that works so well. It’s truly brilliant.

Check out Arc Iris online at: http://www.arcirismusic.com/

The band has a slew of record release shows in early April that I encourage you all to check when they come to your town.  It all kicks off around here at the beautiful Columbus Theatre on April 1st in Providence. You can get your tickets at this link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/588142