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

Trent HERZMAn - Life in the Village

7/20/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Trent Herzman

Life in the Village
self-released; 2016

​3.6 out of 5

By D Eagle

​ 
Trent Herzman is a folk-rock singer-songwriter from San Diego. Whilst he may be a solo artist, Herzman is supported by backing instruments, recording and production at the hands of Eric Schneider and James Page.

A deeply personal experience which details the trials and tribulations of Herzman’s time in Carlsbad Village, Life in the Village opens with “Days Go By Slowly.” An inaudible phone conversation fills the opening seconds of this LP, perhaps shedding some light on the preceding events for those listening keenly. Slow, jagged, acoustic guitar and a delicate beat emerge to support Herzman’s introspective lyrics and emotive singing. He warns that his mind has gone insane and he can take no more, as he reflects on events of his past life. Wearing the same clothes, endless days, the police and setting places alight with a match and gasoline. Whether or not such things are relatable, or literal, one becomes engrossed in the account Herzman gives.

"White & Blues” opens with verses continuing the folk sensibilities of the opener, but progresses into a chorus layered with groaning guitar bends that transform the entire song. This is one of the highlights of the album, though I feel this aspect of the track could have built into something else, rather than slipping back into the same acoustic verses.

It is “The Years Drain Out” which finds its place as one of the most sincere pieces on the album, layering reverberating, nostalgic vocals over soft and tempered acoustic guitar. ‘I need something to numb the pain / But these pills / They drive me insane.’ Whilst knowing none of the private details or depths of events in Carlsbad Village, it is hard for listeners to resist at least feeling, through the tones of his voice, the ways in which the place, people and events changed Herzman.

Continuing in this vein, “Just An Escape” emerges with an acoustic chord sequence reminiscent of tear-jerking ‘90s Britpop. Herzman accuses that “I’m just an escape from your evil place” -words which cut deeply. An Oasis-esque guitar riff screeches from the depths of the post-chorus lull, but somehow feels at home against the soft acoustics lying beneath it. Nothing feels rough; everything has been calculated. This is most certainly the best track on the album.

​Herzman has finely tuned his skills at lyric-writing and expertly paints a moving canvass of his memories. If there were one piece of advice to take when creating future art, it would perhaps be to deliver more of those gut-wrenching vocals present on “Just An Escape” or “Leaving Today.” Herzman’s singing is impressive, but sometimes to be invested in a story we must not only see what the artist saw, but feel what they felt. That being said, Life in the Village is a great album for those enticed by folk-rock hybrids. It is well worth a listen.
Become A Fan
Tweet
0 Comments

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

    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    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