diamonds

Dramatic, almost theatrical and yet musically broad with a tremendous production – this is Diamonds, the debut full-length album from Johnnyswim, a husband-and-wife duo.  The vocals of Amanda Sudano-Ramirez range from warm to world-weary to impassioned; Abner Ramirez’ self-production is as clean and crisp as the music contained within the packaging (which is lovely and well-laid out).

Of the twelve tracks that make up Diamonds, “A Miliion Years” has a militant stride about it, but is melodic and catchy with water-tight harmonies; “Closer” is on the angst-filled side, lyrically, but the emotions come across in the vocals; “Live While We’re Young” has a warmth and one of the most-embracing acoustic guitars enveloping the body of the melody.  The lyrical themes touch on some darkness – heartache, loss, reconciliation – and lend greater credence to the careful construction of the music itself.

All in all, a very serious and mature album from this duo, who I am sure, we’ll be hearing a lot more of.

http://johnnyswim.com/

Album Reviews, Music

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About the Author

Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been, for good, bad or indifferent, involved in the music industry for over 30 years - first as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, then as freelance journalist, producer and manager to working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star and his orange Gretsch. Doesn't that make him neat?

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