Scheduled for Jan. 10th drop this California-based band’s 3rd release All the Space That There Is is a self-produced LP that continues in their tradition of the “high desert sound.” Unlike many releases, it’s not riveting with thunderous drums, slash & burn guitars. What it has is good songs, warm singing with melodies played proficiently & at times relaxing. Closer to a Dick & DeeDee feel at times (“The Mountain’s High”).
The Adobe Collective’s 10- track LP (Love Sands Records) has music that flows like a crystal-clear stream. While the vocals aren’t retro they’ll remind older people like me of the 1967 song “Zabadak” by Dave, Dee, Dozy, Beaky Mick & Tich. They utilized percussion & clever vocals, 3-part harmonies, laid back synths, steel guitar & percussion too.
“Blind,” & “To Ourselves,” is rollicking & stitched together with fine musical threads. The band is a mix of country-rock & varied stylings. Some missteps but most can be overlooked.
Founders Tim (vocals & guitar) & Faith Chinnock (keyboards & vocals) are joined by Caleb Winn (drums), Chris Unck (guitar, lap steel, vocals & percussion), & Tyler Saraca (I assume is the new bassist). Spencer Keizer & Kip Powell play bass on the CD.
To my ears, “You’ll Never Tell” is wonderful with its serious vocal arrangement, pounding but not wild drums, gentle yet aggressive guitars & towards the end of this 5-minute tune it rips nicely. They may be a little laid back in approach overall but when Adobe lets loose — they can smoke.
There was a band a few years ago with similar magic in their compositions – Emmett Tinley’s Prayer Boat (“Saved”). Their interweaving & ingenious melodic application was worthy of what The Adobe Collective is doing now. They may explore the American Southwest musically, but Adobe is caught more between the junction of Double (“Captain of Her Heart”) & the Blue Nile than any California singer-songwriter type with a little sand in their shoes.
The duet between Tim & Faith on “Warm To Me,” is subtle. “All I Know,” is closer to the country motif. Tim & Faith complement each other always.“Sky Starts at the Ground,” begins 2 rock-oriented collective bursts. They maintain their class throughout musically & vocally on each. It’s pleasant to hear them sing with vigor on Sky but when Faith’s voice comes in — a light’s been turned on. “Shine On,” continues with a good groove.
I don’t hear the Beatles comparisons as mentioned, & despite some surreal sound, it doesn’t profess psychedelia either. I lived through that era. The overall sound ingredients as used here are more ambient Phillip Glass or a world-new age trail. Track 10 is weird. If I was the producer, scissors to track 10 so the LPmaintains its rich catchy momentum to retain a core audience who listen more to a Mumford & Son than Enya. The majority of the LP has well structured melodies, vocals & focus. So, don’t lose that wealth. This song is filler, a B-side, a bonus track.
More songs like “Sky,” is better. Since the word Adobe & high desert sound doesn’t apply in my vocabulary to dreamy underwater chill grooves. If they wanted a haunting ghostly-echo desert sound, that’s fine – but, treated effects — not the way to go.
Oh – get better art for the CD package. The cover says nothing about what kind of music is enclosed. That, from a former PR director in the entertainment business. Me. The music deserves better.
https://orcd.co/adobecollective
The 40-minute LP will be available at their website among others. https://www.theadobecollective.com/