As summer is approaching the end of its run for the year, we are already on the search for some epic fall tunes to grab ahold of. As we prepare to watch the leaves change color and the air to turn slightly cooler, The Liquorsmiths have given us some classic folk rock jams to break us into the new season. This Book Belongs To, released on August 21st, is an emotional, acoustically driven album, depicting raw imagery as well as a hefty amount of soul. Front man, Drew Thams delivers such purity and honesty in his poetic lyrics that you can’t help but be drawn into the story he is sharing with us from his wonderful, musical platform.
The opening track, “Coy With Me,” displays a gorgeously pure acoustic guitar and introduces us to the wonder that is Thams’ voice. His lyrics are reminiscent as he declares that he is “no fan of growing up.” He manages to be reflective, yet relatable. His belt is as meaningful as his croon, as he proves himself as a storyteller straight from the first track. It perfectly leads into “Get Well Soon,” which is the most upbeat and happy track on the album. When Thams sings, “I feel so young when I’m with you,” you can’t help but love the song’s innocence and playfulness. There is pride in sincerity, and that idea is very clearly depicted in this track.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/208654483″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
“Thief” was immediately appealing due to the heavy percussive vibes. The female vocals are a great diversion from the rest of the album, and the song’s build is honestly epic. The entire feel of the song is perfect as the words match the melodical mood ever so seamlessly. To call this track more potent than the rest is tempting, yet it wouldn’t be right on my part because each song on the album is completely genuine. The Liquorsmiths clearly had a vision of what they wanted in this album, and they conquered their goals with absolute flying colors.
“Devil I Do” is a bit more upbeat, providing a lovely, easy-listening experience. The chorus’ chords are hopeful and evoke a simple happiness. The lyrics may claim, “I will destroy you,” which would definitely not lean to a happy vibe, but it concludes with a line, “squeeze my hand when you feel pain cause’ you know I meant it when I said that I am right here when you need me.” The contrast between light and dark is beautifully arranged, and I appreciate the true poet that is Drew Thams. He doesn’t mind pushing the boundaries and singing lyrics that might not be as traditionally poetic. In “Day By Day,” he describes the idea of “pumping yourself through my heart,” as blood pumps through your veins. He goes as far as mentioning the circulation in his nervous system. He brings it all back in the most poetic way, and makes the lyrical diversion work really well.
“Iris’ Song is elementally different than the rest, but will take you through a whirlwind of emotion in the course of its four-minute length. Among several of the beautifully powerful lyrics on the album, one stood out to me above the others. Thams croons, “Because home is not a place, it’s a family; just like warmth is not a feeling, it’s a state of mind.” Let that be a fond feeling in your life as we slowly get ready to jump back into our pants and sweaters.
Article: Alex Feigin
