KERN.

Release Date: February 3, 2009

Considering I do not know very much about Christopher Kern made this an interesting review. I do know that he lives in Chicago and he grew up in Detroit. I am also aware the album was made on his label, Flat Response Sound. So, I take my first listen to his album and say to myself, “This album sounds like it was an easy one to make.” I guess I can be quite harsh on albums upon the first listening. Well, these thoughts suddenly went downhill smashing, crashing and burning at the bottom of a desolate range when re-listening to the album. This, KERN, is full of hard work, tears, sweat and all else that it takes to make a work of art. I can say that it was a grower but I initially thought it was good minus complexity. The songs here weave in and out, around the main central theme, LOVE. Love is a very, very complex being. Many of us have been in love, seen others in love, wished for love, been taken back by love, scared love away and treated love as the only true and blissful living, breathing thing upon our wonderful planet. Well, on this album Christopher Kern opens his heart as wide as possible and spills it upon the making of this album. I did read that it took him 2 years to complete and it shows here. With his sunny demeanor and beautifully tender voice he sings these songs with conviction and truth. Christopher constantly shows the listener just how much he has put on the line for this work.  On the album Kern enlists Scott Masson (of OFFICE), Lia Burkey and Chris Johnson. Interestingly though, most of the album is constructed and developed by Christopher Kern himself. Not to take anything away from his help, but this is ultimately and undeniably impressive.

The tracks that stand out on the album are White Lies, Supersede, For All I’m Worth, Breathe and Natural Disaster (a tribute to Hurricane Katrina). Throughout the album the tools used are reverb, delay, double tracking and an immense amount of love and determination. A beautiful album that is truly a wake up call to the music industry.

Rating A-

Review by JP.