In the case where an album is constructed on sheer human interaction and the unrelenting structure of sound, then there is no expiry period to speak of. Independent American writer, musician, and producer Noah James Mass proved to be a guru of contemporary rock with his seven-track, self-titled album, Noah James Mass, released on August 11th last year. An entire year has elapsed since then, and what is absolutely evident is that this album has not lost any of its edginess. In a world that is driven by speed and hype, where music becomes outdated so easily, Mass’s album proves to be timeless.
The record starts with a track titled “I Am The One,” which introduces us to the sound of waves crashing, the soothing and dreamy cascading sound of electric piano keys, and the deliberate beats from the percussion. Lyrics-wise, the song is a clear statement of utter dedication and alignment with existence. It is not a song of seduction, but rather a sort of secular hymn. The character in the song does not beat around the bush and makes it clear with his lyrics that there is complete devotion involved here, which is exactly how he feels as a psyche devoid of any uncertainty and willing to dedicate himself fully to another person. The character lets this person know that she has unconditional love just within her grasp, and he’s the one who is going to give her this unconditional love. On a musical level, the song can be considered the epitome of craftsmanship when it comes to working independently; the vocal performance is extremely personal and intense and is dripping with blues-inspired confidence that sits perfectly atop a heavy guitar sound, old-school keys, and powerful drums. For the listener, the song serves as an instant rush of energy that demands your full attention starting from the first bar.
Moving into “On The Way Down,” there is a change in the acoustic atmosphere, as a lonely echo of a piano melody starts echoing from the speakers in a way that sounds like a call for help, slowly getting heavier with a slow drum beat that marks the bruised mood. The track describes the pain and the inevitability of losing someone who you care about and looks at the descent into despair that takes place once it becomes evident that love alone is not enough to stop you from falling apart. Here, our character can literally see his partner pull away in real time. Her body language tells her partner all that he needs to know, which is that her eyes and heart has wondered off. There is a raw, old-fashioned emotional quality to the vocals that cracks ever so slightly from the burden of sorrow, while the music itself follows suit with the piano that falls downwards, slide guitar that cries out, and a menacing rhythm section. In the end, the song is delivered right into the heart of its listeners in a very comforting way.
“Misery Winter” sees the song slicing through the air with its icy and ethereal buzzing of the electric guitar melody and the crisp and it’s the frigid strum of the guitar that mimics the gusts of cold air blowing across a desolate nighttime highway. The song focuses on themes of isolation, where the lyrics paint a bitter winter landscape as a metaphor for the depression that comes after deep heartache. This allows Noah to bring his metaphorical seasonal references to life in a genuine way by looking at grief and loneliness. The instrumentation is based on an atmospheric sound of alternative rock music in which vocals are sung in a ghost-like style and overlaid with echoing drum beats and deep bass sounds to give it an eerie feel. The music engulfs the listener in a way similar to being wrapped up in a heavy woolen blanket in winter, thus giving credence to the darker sides of the human healing process.
With the track “Thinking of You”, the song opens up with an inviting electric/ bass guitar riff supported by a snap of the snare drum, which sets up the rhythm and beat of the song. Lyrically, the song represents the obsessive nature of one’s thoughts when they get stuck in the past, replaying memories of their former love interest. The singer Noah delves into the experience of the bittersweet nature of involuntary memories as he explores the process by which simple day-to-day things set off a wave of longing for what was once there. The character feels frustrated because he’s been thinking about someone he shouldn’t be thinking about, wondering when he will completely be free of her and get his love back. In vocal terms, Noah speaks in a more fluid manner, with his voice moving in a melodious manner within the rhythm in conversation with the bright electric guitar notes and the organ notes, which cascade beautifully. It is a piece of music which touches a chord with its poignant feeling of longing.
There are significant changes in energy when “Better Love” Me gets underway with a glacial, garage rock drum breakdown that instantly falls into a groovy beat together with a distorted and biting rhythm guitar riff. It is an assertive message to someone to stay away and set boundaries, as the lyrics are full of rejection of any manipulation, lukewarm feelings, and being treated as something not worthy. While the song continues, Noah changes the story of being broken up with and feeling low to one that sets boundaries, makes threats, and asks for reciprocity of respect and devotion or nothing at all. It’s a simple ultimatum that the character has created for his partner: be loved fully, or he walks out the door to find someone who will. Issuing ultimatums in a relationship isn’t something pleasant, but sometimes the situation calls for fire and somewhat questionable behavior. The delivery of vocals is packed with snark, aggression, and defiance while the band provides listeners with strong guitar sounds, energetic beats, and a heavy bass sound. It is an instant boost of confidence and empowerment from the first seconds.
Dropping into its own groove at a much slower tempo, “Rich Girl” begins with the cool interplay of a very distinct and exciting drum beat, muted funk guitar riff against the deep and funky bassline, establishing right away the cool and urban ambiance. In terms of lyrics, the song presents a persona who uses financial terminology to describe or represent it. So, he tells her that he’s the one thing that is keeping her going and living comfortably (I’m your money) and that without him, she wouldn’t survive and would be punching Pennies soon. In this song, Noah is contrasting the real human connection with the false one provided by status and money, creating a story about how one would go to get the attention no matter what it takes, even when love cannot simply be bought. Rich Girl combines the elements of soulful blues rock with the groove, including the silky vocal lines against the rhythmic background and synthesizers.
Concluding the album on a high note is the song “Out The Door.” It opens up with a short whistle, nervous, escalating snare drum roll accompanied by a powerful guitar rise filled with feedback, which creates a sensation that the end is finally coming. In terms of lyrics, “Out the Door” symbolizes the final step taken towards liberation from the negative relationship dynamic, walking away. Noah masterfully reflects a person’s fear, relief, and clarity when they grab their luggage and shut the door behind them, finally opting for their peace rather than burning themselves out slowly. As for musicality, it reaches its peak here: vocals are screamed with pure passion, accompanied by amazing lead guitars, numerous layers of vocal harmonies, and an unstoppable rhythm section.
This self-titled seven-song album, born of the famous studios of Make Believe, is nothing less than a masterful effort at cinematic rock music, delivered in what seems like a much-needed shot of adrenaline. Created by the signature sound of BilT Guitars, the explosive energy of drums recorded live, and pure room tone production, it’s a perfect storm of energy and intent. Every single note is deliberate, played with such pure artistic control as only an artist fully aware of his craft could achieve.
Underneath all the muscle and fuzz of their rock tunes is a very human, bleeding heart. The songwriting achieves a perfect transcendence by blending powerful instrumentals with lyrical vulnerability. This is the catharsis that emerges through the direct experiences of the process of healing from mental health issues and overcoming creative burnout. The sweat, the pain, and the victory are seeping right through those amps. It’s not just entertainment; it challenges and heals. It goes deeper than your mind; it touches you on a cellular level.
During a period where fast cuts and one-hit wonders reign supreme, this album was able to do something almost unheard of; it halted time completely. It’s hard for me to think of anything else in recent memory that has been able to maintain such full attention and excitement, but this album managed to do so with ease from the very first note. This is not an ordinary album; it is an undeniable declaration made by an incredible artist who operates in a realm completely unlike any other. To hear him create with such passion is an incredible gift, and to be a fan while he does it is nothing less than awe-inspiring.
Stream the “Noah James Mass” album on Spotify.
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