Guy Sherman

REVIEW: 

 

The CD blasts off with "Santa Claus is Coming to Town” a festive ambient intro piece that serves up hypnotic rhythms, with pulsating bass painted against a colorful canvas of music that seems to come at you from every which direction. Track 2, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree/Jingle Bell Rock” presents a psychedelic kaleidoscope of soothing sound featuring dynamic rhythms, and vivid melody which flows and ebbs its way through to fruition. By track 2 you realize Sherman may be on to something very unique here as these DIY recordings are diamonds in the rough – but diamonds nonetheless. Track 3 “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” shifts gears a bit with its rock steady beat against mesmerizing keyboard and synthesizer accents with walls of sound that are infectious and hypnotic.

 

As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear so many elements of Electronic Alternative Rock, Holiday-Festive and Alternative Rock plus a clever array of NES gaming-type sound effects. The music reminds me of: They Might Be Giants, David Byrne, Digby Jones, Weird Al Yankovic and The Man Behind C. You will also notice lush layers of musical instrumentation everywhere from low end beats and rhythms, to pulsating Moog and bass segments, to ambient synthesizer and keyboard accents along the way. You will also notice keyboards, electric piano, piano, strings, synth bass, ambient horns, impressive harmonies, orchestral accents, guitar, sonic vocal and sound effects, electronic beats and sporadic percussive accents; exotic phased sampling layered within the music.

 

The songs themselves are extremely unique, highly original, and brilliantly clever. The grooves and rhythms are methodical, the soundscapes are interesting, and the ambient accents are well placed and flow extremely well. The CD has some truly impressive moments on it, showcasing an impressive songwriter's touch at the core. I really admire artists that let it all hang out regardless of the outcome and let the chips fall where they may. Sherman is one of these artists. This CD is a bit zany but has something for just about everyone, from my personal favorite “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", to methodical “Carol of the Bells” to rocking “What Child is This” to hypnotic “Silent Night” to swinging “She’s Mrs. Claus”. It’s definitely a dynamic and progressive musical statement that offers a lot of musical variety and vivid sound imagery that push the envelope. The CD ends with Track 13 “Listen to the Falling Snow” – the perfect finale statement for an album of this caliber.   

 

Overall this release from Guy Sherman entitled “Yule Hear What I Hear” is actually quite unique and a highly original sonic experience altogether. Though the electronic drums provide some variety, it's fair to say they lack in thick low-end frequency and punch. I also wish there were more solo segments throughout the CD. Make no bones about it – this CD took some time to craft and piece together. A guy like Sherman has much in the way of potential as a composer/producer. Equally impressive is the spin Sherman puts on all these Christmas classics. This festive CD will also appeal to those who enjoy Electronic Rock with an Alternative Rock aftertaste to it, and works best for those who want musical ambience to fill their sonic space. I found the listening experience quite refreshing. It flows extremely well song to song and note for note. Sherman is a force to be reckoned with this Holiday season.

 

—Cyrus Rhodes

Indie Music Digest

Dec. 2014