Adam Cirillo

We first heard from Adam Cirillo last year when he released his debut album Mum’s Guitar. Cirillo is back with a new release entitled Unfortunately I Can Already See That I’ll Disappoint You. One of the unique aspects of this release is that the songs are based on poems, so let’s get into it.

The album opens with “Preface” and this song revolves around strummed guitar, very light percussion and atmospheric pads. It’s moody and there’s spoken word. It reminded somewhat of the song Space Oddity by David Bowie.

“Not My Enemies Ever Invade Me” and this song actually felt more like an opener to me. At the very least the energy is up here and gets your adrenaline pumping. The song is very catchy and upbeat. It sounded somewhere between The Shins and Of Montreal and like one of the highlights to me.

“The Road Not Taken” is much more mellow and serene. The vocals are expressive and the melodies drive the song although I thought the bass added  a lot to the song as well. “We Bought a House” and something was sinking in at this point. There were definitely elements which reminded me of The Beatles, a lot of which comes from the vocals and also the chord changes he uses in the song.

The folk inspired “Oh Juliette” sounds like ’70s folk and even contains what sounds like a wooden flute. It’s whimsical, lush and quite expressive. The thematic spoken word on “I Laid Me Down and Slept” brings to mind Jarvis Cocker while “Pills” is a certified highlight. “Pills” not only contains one of the best grooves but has cascading vocal harmonies which felt unique and were mixed in a way that works.

There’s something about the energy and repeating vocal patterns  on “May and Death’ that made me feel anxious which might have been the intention. “When in Disgrace with Fortune and Man’s Eyes” is a very unique song as well. It’s kind of dark but not always. The emotional center is hard to pinpoint which is a good thing in my opinion.

“On Woman” is fun with a ’70s flavor while the closer “The Chariot” has forward moving energy that did make me feel like I was on horseback.

​This release did feel like an amalgamation of artists from the late ’60s. On subsequent listens I picked on The Rolling Stones and Dylan. Suffice it to say I think this is the best work from Cirillo to date. Recommended.

 

The idea of the project Mum’s Guitar was to stage a theater show. Adam Cirillo states ”My character would write and record a music album in real life and then have a CD launch. The CD launch would be directed by a theater director Paulo Castro.”

The album starts with “A Bohemian's Tale” and sounded like Bob Dylan was strumming his guitar while creating a one-man play. I’m not sure how comedic it was supposed to be but once I had that image in my head I have to admit it made me laugh. The song does sort of morph into a more traditional song. 

“I'm James Dean” sounded like a Bob Dylan song again but there’s a thumping 4/4 beat which almost makes it sound like a dance song. “Oh, Look at Me” was a good song with a solid arrangement. “Hitler's Tank” I think was going for a comedic angle.

“Cult” is extremely fuzzy and distorted garage rock that transitions into an acoustic song with strummed chords, bass and poetic lyrics. “Lonely Taxi Driver Theme” and “Sometimes” were solid songs. “Sometimes” sounded like a lullaby. 

“Green 'n Free” contains some solid guitar picking. Cirillo closes with “Bluebird” which contains field recordings of birds that accompany his vocals and guitar.

The most striking thing about this release is the similarities in delivery to Bob Dylan. It’s not subtle. Additionally, it’s not just the character of his voice but the inflection, cadence and pacing of the delivery. I’m not sure if this was baked into the “character” he is apparently playing. Are these songs Cirillo or his character? Is he using an affectation when he sings to purposely sound like Dylan? It’s a little confusing.

There are some solid songs on this album regardless of the intent or setup. That's worth the price of admission, so take a seat and enjoy the play.