From the first notes of “Seattle”, which opens Nico Adams’ five-song EP, the listener might swear this disc is some kind of a Annie Lennox solo work, or an obscure Eurtythmics release at the vary least. But then again, Adams, a 23 year old man, lists Michael Jackson, David Bowie, and Prince as primary influences. Thus, a little musical androgyny likely comes with the territory.
Adams may borrow some of his vocal style from Lennox, but he does not incorporate any of the layered synthesizer parts Dave Stewart gleefully piled onto those memorable ‘80s Eurythmics recordings. Instead, Adams prefers to use a whole lot of soulful, acoustic piano. But then again, Adams also points to Stevie Wonder and Elton John as significant inspirations and their impact shows. Adams is at his most Elton John-iest during “Letter”, which is a thoughtful ballad that brings “Don’t Let the Sun Go down on me” to mind.
On “Tombstone Eyes”, the track features piano, drums, and little else. At times, these arrangements sound like setups for jazz club vocalists – albeit, with soul/R&B songs, rather than jazz standards. And that’s mostly a good thing because Adams is an expressive singer that lets loose and sings all around the melody, and in and out of the rhythm consistently.
Lyrically, Adams can be a little cryptically exotic, as he accuses someone of having tombstone eyes, in a song of the same name. However, “Seattle” tells the pointed tale of someone who can make even the Northwest appear bright and cheery. “…the rain’s not so depressing anymore,” he exclaims. There is also a spiritual element to what Adams does. At one point during “Letter”, he admits, “I’m a Jesus freak living my life in sin.”
“Love on the Money” is slightly funky, but “Rebel Baby Rebel”, with its prominent bass line and dance floor beat, hearkens the disco era. Disco may have gotten a bad rap, when the style was nearly omnipresent back in the ‘70s, but that beat is still irresistible when done right. On this upbeat, dance club ready track, Adams references James “Rebel without a Cause” Dean, and worries about going off the deep end.
This CD may be a demo, but its stripped down arrangements are nevertheless a breath of fresh air. Adams is such a fine singer; it would be a shame to have his voice lost in a busy mix. One of the best attributes in Elton John and Stevie Wonder songs is hearing these two distinctive voices. You never hear a John or a Wonder song on the radio and wonder, ‘Well, I wonder who that could be.’ Nope, these two men may have written some of the best songs in pop history, but their vocals are also to the pop charts what fingerprints are to the hands: unique.
With that said, it will be fascinating to hear what Adams can do with a full, supportive studio. Hopefully, he will be assertive enough to be heard loud and clear above all the production bells and whistles. These five songs are the stuff of great potential, without question. Anyone with ears to hear cannot wait to hear what Nico Adams will come up with next.
Reviewed By Dan MacIntosh
