Thomas M. Ventiquattro is a music veteran, and this singer-songwriter brings his classic pop-folk songwriting to the fore on “Horizon Eyes”.
There is nothing particularly modern-sounding on “Horizon Eyes”, and in an age where Pro-Tools and computers have seemingly replaced actual musical talent, that is not a bad thing. The beautiful harmonies, pop arrangements, thoughtful lyrics and tasteful musicianship seem almost like a breath of fresh air. In fact, the arrangements and instrumentation are so classic folk that any song on this CD could be played next to a 1960’s/1970’s standard on the radio and not seem the least bit out of place. Songs such as “Peaceful & Mine”, “Guilty By Association” and “I’ll Dream Up A Way To Your Heart” are great examples of Ventiquattro’s throwback style.
Ventiquattro’s voice is quavery yet sincere, and its resemblance to Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees is uncanny. His guitar is at the forefront of the mix, but his playing is standard folk-guitar strumming. The other musicians are role players with no instrument in particular standing out. It may seem uninteresting in print, but everything is so tastefully arranged and well-produced the songs shine without the clutter of extra notes or solo histrionics to distract the listener.
That said, Ventiquattro’s vocals do tend to wear after awhile as he plays it safe vocally throughout the CD. Unfortunately when he does step out of his comfort zone with “Kick Your But Habits” it sounded forced. Also, while the lyrics and arrangements were textbook, the songs tended to lack musical or vocal hooks. Some work on his vocal dynamics and style and inserting some hooks that stick to the brain would give a future release more ‘staying power’ and repeated plays. Ventiquattro definitely has the talent to do that, and such adjustments would make his music more of a standout on its own merit rather than homage to a bygone era.
Many would consider Ventiquattro’s sound ‘dated’, and music fans seeking modern pop with its beeps, blips, auto-tuned vocals and drum loops would consider this little more than Muzak to fall asleep to. But for those fans who appreciate the early Bee Gees, CSNY, The Eagles and the other classic soft rock/pop will enjoy this. Kudos to Mr. Ventiquattro for releasing a quality record with music that feeds his soul, not a trend.
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Track Names
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Peaceful And Mine
Guilty By Association
To All Living
Play Your Life
I Saw Her In The Rain
I’ll Dream Up A Way To Your Heart
Hopeless And Helpless
Kick Your But Habits
Love Lost
Who Can Hear?
A Year Has Passed
Ecology
Clever Endeavor
Half Alive
Horizon Eyes
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Artist: Album
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Thomas M. Ventiquattro II: Horizon Eyes
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Genre
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NA
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More Information
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http://www.outstandingmusic.com
