Think Bendy is the musical project of Adam Bendy. Entitled Change, the album delves into the significance and impact of small moments on life.
Bendy explains the challenge of the album, “I’ve had time to focus on developing some older musical ideas, as well as writing and arranging new ones. It was a new approach for me as a musician, not only being responsible for arranging bass parts to existing songs like I’ve done in the past, but also taking the role of writer, lyricist, arranger, and performer.”
The “new approach” involved writing the album on the piano, centering on the melody and lyrics, followed by layering in the arrangements. Guest talents on the album include Robert Salzer (guitar), George Miller (drums), and Ann Mcinerney (flute).
For a decade, from 2003 to 2013, Bendy toured and recorded with NYC’s jam quartet U-Melt. Still, Change represents Bendy’s first foray into the realm of vocals and keyboards. He pulls it off with aplomb.
The first track that gained my undivided attention is “Free,” a piano heavy alt-rock tune imbued with bright, potent resonance and a compelling rhythm. The running riffs on the guitar really stand-out, giving the harmonics an incandescent essence.
Highlights on the album include “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” a funk-lite alt-rock number with a skiffing guitar and rousing piano. The percussion on this track sizzles, with great fills and the rounded tone of the snare. There’s a vestige of jazz-feel spilling through this song.
“Spark” delivers a grand sonic spark, traveling on a pounding piano topped by a scorching guitar. The song is vaguely reminiscent of Billy Joel, full of rollicking energy and beau coup vivid textures. The ultimate track, “Epiphany,” is my favorite, opening on a wailing guitar intro flowing into a laid-back breakdown of only Bendy’s voice and an elegant yet brawny piano. Even though the harmonics, once established, are thick and powerful, there’s a gentle quality to this song.
Change is a strong album, featuring contagious piano-based melodies, and Think Bendy’s inimitable voice, rich and raw.
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