Neil Friedlander
The Change
An Ink 19 Premiere
Singer-songwriter Neil Friedlander premieres his new album, The Change, which reflects his two-year self-evolution: he got sober, wandered from place to place, and ultimately let go of an unforgettable and poignant past love.
Friedlander shares, “This album chronicles the very slow process of opening up to the world, to people, and to love after being closed off for a very long time. I don’t want to come off too woo-woo, but these songs told me things I wasn’t ready to hear. I was lost, and this album helped me find my way back.”
Produced by Chris Camilleri (John Legend, Barns Courtney, Lennon Stella), The Change features guest musicians Justin Goldner (Aloe Blacc, Anaïs Mitchell), Adam Stoler (Les Nubians, Richard Bona), Emily Hope Price (Pearl and the Beard), and Ben Thornewill (Jukebox The Ghost).
Of the dozen tracks that make up The Change, suggested entry points include “Totem,” a ‘90s alt-rock-flavored tune reminiscent of The Sundays. As good as the melody is, it’s Friedlander’s vocals that stand out, revealing aching, nostalgic tones full of wistful yearning urgency.
The title track mirrors Friedlander’s self-renovation: it begins on a low-slung, soft melody riding a gently pulsing rhythm. The harmonics slowly build, shifting as personal changes occur. In the end, warm light finds its way through.
“We’re going somewhere broken open / Every crack lets in a rush of light, I’ll / Swim until my body tires out.”
For some reason, “Future Life,” a wonderfully beautiful song, summons up memories of Michael Murphy with its pretty, mellow melody driven by an evocative piano topped by gleaming guitar accents. There’s a moving tenderness to Friedlander’s voice that brings tears to listeners’ eyes.
A personal favorite because of its rising motion and throbbing surfaces, a bit dark and heavy, “Wisdom” evokes a mystical sensation. Whereas “IFC” is vaguely reminiscent of Hall & Oates because of its slinky, sensual rhythm.
The closing track, “Committed,” is gorgeously ethereal and slightly delicate yet reveals deep, intimate emotions. This track exhibits the haunting soul of Friedlander’s amazing voice.
On a gratifyingly seamless album, Neil Friedlander travels into vulnerable new realms of music and discovers who he is.
