Promis –
Indiscretions (Jfpmusic)
Jose Promis is a Chilean born singer-songwriter,
living in Los Angeles. His musical roots can be traced back to the city’s
independent cabaret and theatre scene, and there’s certainly plenty of drama to
be found within “Indiscretions”, his seventh album. It’s a substantial
collection – well over and hour long – and Promis explores a succession of
ideas and styles, never allowing the listener to really settle or become
over-familiar with their aural surroundings. It could’ve been messy, or too
fractured to be truly satisfying, but his mix of old-world influences, artier
songwriters like Bowie, Brel, Scott Walker and Rufus Wainwright, put together
with his own strong songs, makes for a rewarding and consistently enjoyable listening
experience.
In fact, “Indiscretions” feels like quite a find.
Promis is a writer with much to say, and new and interesting ways to say it.
Here he begins with “Martinis At Noon”, its mix of progressive instrumentation
and pop sensibilities is intrinsically likeable, especially when coupled with a
damning commentary on vacuous living in the City Of Angels. “Love Lurks and Lives in the Blackest of Night” is just
as good. It takes musical inspiration from Berlin’s 1930’s cabaret scene,
though Promis contemporizes it brilliantly and the song’s structure and arrangement
give it shiny new wings. By contrast “50 Bucks from Me”
arrives on rapid electronic beats, and both Sparks and Giorgio Moroder come to
mind. It’s a multifaceted collection, and another face is revealed on “The Weeping Song”, a sweeping indie-folk-rock track, with
elements of The Decemberists, and perhaps a little Morricone at the edges. All
in all it’s the sort of record that the dedicated listener can really
get their teeth into and I’m happy to recommend it - unreservedly.
Phil S.
Promis – 50 Bucks from Me
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