C. Gibbs
C. Gibbs Sings Motherwell Johnston
Reviewed by: Ziggy Merritt
You might say the theme of Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, C. Gibbs’ latest release is that of bewilderment. While having a prolific career throughout the past few decades, most prominently as a member of Foetus and Modern English, Gibbs takes a stark departure with Motherwell Johnston, an alter ego that he has brought out on tour on a number of occasions. Yet, whether it be Slim Shady or Sasha Fierce, these secret identities never seem to have staying power. If anything it takes away from the creative process.
Sadly that assumption does not fall flat throughout the length of Motherwell Johnston. Certainly there is depth and worth to the album, “Unchaperoned”, “Cordelaine”, and what might as well be the final track, “Vegan Feast” are all quite memorable highlights if, in the case of the latter, a little zany at times. But zany can be and more often than not is an excellent pairing with the eccentricities of singer-songwriters. Here zaniness gets in the way, perhaps giving credence to the adage “less is more.”
Take “Murmur and Belt”, the track that gives a bit more meaning to that theme of bewilderment I mentioned. Crooning country acoustics with a backdrop of a discordant piano playing and the jarring introduction of heavy metal vocals makes for an uncomfortable sonic experience; a takeaway I hope most would agree upon. I had no idea what to expect in the immediate aftermath of the song’s conclusion.
Most of what came after was a blend of folk and Americana that left no distinct impression. If anything I was more disappointed in the unmentioned tracks than “Murmur and Belt”. They felt uninspired, a feeling that shouldn’t line up with the amount of effort Gibbs took into crafting a new persona for himself. Then there’s tracks like “Cordelaine” that show off some true inspired talent. Here, Gibbs weaves in richly decorated acoustics with the smooth, soulful drone of the electric guitar. Yet this brief repose of pleasantness is not enough to carry the weight of everything else that came before and after. There needs to be balance, something I believe Gibbs neglected this time around.
Rating: Semi-Obnoxious
