Los Angeles-based artist Adam James melds both surf-pop radiance and heartfelt emotion on his new full-length Another Side of Paradise, produced by Steve Stout (Øzwald). The album cover serves as a callback to Beach Boys’ Surfin’ Safari, and fittingly so; Another Side of Paradise shows clear reverence for ’60s surf pop and rock, in addition to timeless perspectives on a quest for one’s personal paradise. Particularly on the album’s gripping title track, James describes the release’s meaning as exploring how “although things may be beautiful or life may be going well in a place such as L.A. there is often a lot of pain and struggle happening behind it all.”
A psychedelic daze kickstarts album opener “Something Will Happen,” as harmonious backing vocals and reversed guitar tones move into a gentle acoustic drive. Lyrical reference to being at “the crossroads,” adds an enjoyable introspection to the twangy guitar tones and weepy vocal feeling. “I had enough of this emptiness,” the vocals traverse more familiarly, arriving into a gorgeous title-laden sequence with caressing synths and flourishing woodwinds; it doesn’t take long for the album to reveal its tonally and structurally dynamic charms.
“Get me to the ocean, before summer ends,” James’ vocals soar on the ensuing track, beckoning to “set me free, into the sea.” “Before Summer Ends” delights in its comforting surf-pop verses and commencing wordless vocal harmonies, then gliding seamlessly into a rock-friendly “get to you somehow,” yearning. The aptly titled “Rock N Rolla” moves with brisk guitar/piano interplay, moving into a beautiful “just a fool for loving you,” lament as lovely strings enter the fold. Moments of both vibrant, frolicking piano and subdued orchestral grandeur co-exist wonderfully on this standout track.
Calls to “leave it all behind,” and find solace in paradise resonate on “Up and Comer,” another stirrer in its infusions of moody piano-led developments and ‘Wall of Sound’ orchestral nostalgia. The album consistently resonates in its striving for bliss within a world filled with pain and struggle, and “Up and Comer” is amongst the more direct in declaring as such. “Year of the Tiger” also envelops with its lonesome guitar twangs and contemplative lyricism; the vocals admit “this is not what I bargained for,” as feelings of “going off the rails,” persist. “This could be the year, I finally disappear,” furthers the heady thoughts and desire for renewal, even within acknowledgments of fading sanity.
The soul-searching “Morose on Melrose” asks “am I ever gonna find a way back?” within a rousing blend of acoustic strums and glistening piano. The Los Angeles-touting central hook is wholly resonating, exuding a celebratory sense within the introspective gloom. The album’s fantastic title track follows, emphasizing that “there’s another side of paradise,” with haunting impact; ghostly vocal effects and swooning strings move with intrigue alongside.
The lyrical progressions on “Another Side of Paradise” and throughout the album appear to invoke James’ own experience in Los Angeles. The album’s point of inspiration comes from what James refers to “a darker and more melancholic period of time,” in Los Angeles. “I found a lot of my comfort with my little cordoba by the beach, often immersing myself with 60’s music,” he says. The one-two punch of “Morose on Melrose” and “Another Side of Paradise” captivate melodically, as well as with their perspectives on how darkness can exist even in a prototypical paradise. Immersing in both bright surf-pop radiance and moody introspection, Another Side of Paradise is a standout success from Adam James.
An album release celebration will take place at Gold Diggers in east Hollywood, on February 25th.
