Joey Britton: “Edmonton Sessions” – fluorescent, acoustic-centric ambient atmospheres

Joey Britton started his journey in music at an early age. He joined the band ISO and played lead guitar helping to launch the Torn and Tethered Album. After ISO, Joey decided to move to California to expand his skills in the music industry while writing, recording, and producing his own records.  “I try to write songs that tell stories, relate to people, so that when you listen to them – you realize you’re not alone,” says Joey Britton. Exploring is an experience not easily replicated. Associated with it is equal parts thrill, anxiety, and apprehension. Exploring a new artist is no different. Who knows what you’re going to encounter? Is the experience going to be one you’d like to further, or are you going to cut it and run when you hear something that doesn’t click right the first time? I was never really sure what to think of Joey Britton, having never been exposed to his music before.

However once I pressed play, something about the heartland guitar playing and world percussion on the track “Forever Young” positively impacted me. And in the case of the entire album, “Edmonton Sessions”, any level of the slightest intrigue should be enough to start your journey in his realm of indie-folk.

The sounds and mood created with here can place you anywhere in the world, as if you are not only exploring the music, you’re exploring the world with him. And boy, is the payoff worth it. Joey is aided in the project by vocalists Ivan Garcia and Juleona Soto, who make sure that Joey Britton’s songs carry just the right amount of warmth, comfort and poignancy they deserve.

At times the songs are simple and stripped down to tracks like “Stay Here” and “One Night Stand”, while on others they are more fleshed out and layered, as on “Fly Away” and “Another Landfall”. “Edmonton Sessions” isn’t your typical listen, not by a long shot. There is so little that it can be compared with.

The fluorescent, acoustic-centric ambient atmospheres that are created within the core of these songs do not let up, as Joey Britton makes use of both electric and acoustic instruments to create the backbone of his indie folk sound.

Accompanied with this, is a variety of melodies to give him a sound so warm and gripping, that each song becomes so distinct and powerful that an album could be made of each one. Complemented by the heartfelt vocals and lyrics, it’s hard to bring yourself back to your environment after you’re done listening.

Another strong focus on this album is the stellar use of the drumming which is always subtle, yet powerful, precise and tasteful. However, what is so magnificently captivating about Joey Britton is the connection a listener feels with his music.

Listening to standout vibrant productions on tracks like “Saving Grace”, “Living Out My Dreams” and “Rainbow”, it’s clear that Joey and friends might as well be playing this album directly in your lounge. It’s hard to recall an album with sonics that speak as close to the heart as this does. As Joey Britton ponders the world, and the life and emotions it allows for, so too will the listener.

From the beautiful vocal work and lyrics, the smart percussion, and the atmospheric guitar work, this album commands your attention. So delve into it, hopefully you’ll be able to make your way out of it by the time “One Night Stand” fades out. If not, don’t worry, you’re really in a very good place to be.

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