Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Justin Gitelman - Faces

11/30/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
​Justin Gitelman

Faces
self-released; 2016

3.5 out of 5

By Andrew Westberry

Justin Gitelman is a one-man band from Stow, Massachusetts who plays multiple instruments as well as sings on his debut album entitled Faces. Recorded in his own home studio, the album is a visual and conceptual representation of Gitelman and his life experiences, viewed through his synesthesia and the augmented sense of reality that he lives within.

​The intro of “Black and White” features rapid acoustic guitar, mixed electronic and acoustic percussion, as well as light piano riffs. The acoustic rock song builds in complexity and intensity as Gitelman’s voice and background vocals join the mix in Gitelman’s vocal range. Gitelman’s talent in fingerpicking is prominent in “Face Your Fears,” a subdued ballad with throbbing bass and hushed percussion.

“One Chance” is a highly melodic piece with thought-provoking lyrics, bright acoustic guitar strumming and mellow singing. Even as the song crescendos in dynamics, the laid-back, sunny tone of the song is maintained. Similarly, the lush acoustic guitar in “Seasons” brings a very particular optimistic atmosphere to the otherwise ambiguous instrumentation. Gitelman employs numerous vocal effects and reverb-laced riffs to the power anthem “Waves,” the longest and arguably most memorable track on the entire album.

Beginning with quiet electric guitar, “Boston” quickly transitions into a beach rock-infused groove with grunge elements that sneak into the final moments of the piece. The energy of the album is reduced somewhat in the ambient “Rush” and “No One,” whose ominous tones are alleviated by constant acoustic guitar notes and occasional lush string sections.

The record ends with “Holding Back,” a relentless rock anthem with rapid percussion, lightning-paced electric guitar riffs and a chorus of layered voices forming the full soundscape. As a whole, Faces is a unique blend of rock, acoustic pop and ambient electronic styles that make for an immersive and genuinely enjoyable listening experience for fans of many musical genres.

Become A Fan
bandcamp
Tweet
1 Comment
John Gitelman
12/3/2016 06:31:03 pm

Ok I'm a little biased but I think One Chance and Seasons are the most memorable but waves is not far behind. Perceptive review

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact