- Bryon Harris
Almost July - 'Faded'
Review by Sylvie Marie & Staff
New York-based band Almost July is the creation of Skip Glogan, who writes, produces and arranges all of their songs. Their live show has Skip playing keys and fronting the band with a combination of live instruments, samples, and electronics created in Ableton Live. The band is completed by New York mainstay Derek Broomhead (drums, drum pads). Almost July has made their mark at iconic NYC venues Rockwood Music Hall and Mercury Lounge. During quarantine, they have been avoiding total insanity by collaborating over zoom and live streaming from Skip's home studio. The result is their new single, "Faded", which is one of their best song's to date.
Reverberant arpeggiated guitar motifs and solemn chords open "Faded" written and produced by Skip Glogan (Almost July). A nice percussive groove is soon established as the lead vocal enters. "Sick love, low obsessions So close, so close Sleep off slow confessions We know, we know. As the beat moves forward, it's clear that the song's vibe is both reflective and hopeful.
A swirling production of musical ambience fills in the track and pulls back allowing room for Skip's appealing vocals. Skip's vocals are the perfect combination of chill and confidence. His voice has no problem soaring over the track with intensity or laying it back down during more intimate moments. His tone is crystal clear and warm. Added vocal effects, that create an electrifying sound, are used on the song's reassuring words, "It's all right. I'm all right. Not tonight. We're all right"
The song which commenced with an intimate landscape eventually blooms into a full, rich atmospheric sound on the lines, "I’m gonna fuck up, but it’s all right (It’s all right, I’m all right). We’re gonna grow up not not tonight (not tonight, we’re all right). Late nights turn into sunrise We’re going all night." On the production side, Skip has given keen attention to every detail of the story, yielding a masterful arrangement that reflects the song's emotional complexity.
Lyically, "Faded" represents the place where a dreamlike longing for the way things used to be meets a stark realty (Covid-19) as heard in the lines, "I could have a faceless night or two. Or I could live a wasted life with you" and, "I could be spaced out the whole way through (grow up, never grow up) Or get faded the next day too (grow up, never grow up)." This is a song about isolation and quarantine and the thoughts that run through your mind.
"Faded" is a song that won't fade from your mind anytime soon. With a dynamic production and performance, layers of thoughts unfold. Exploring the feelings of loss and loneliness, Almost July has captured the voice of their generation during Covid-19 in a way that will move your soul.
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