LORE Music

Nothing can be more compelling than when a musician can come clean with them self and let it all out in song. Sometimes such honesty can be hard to communicate but with an instrument, particularly an intimate one such as a guitar or piano, that conversation can come much easier. The instrument becomes an extension of the musician’s own self. It is very true that music allows the musician to honestly express themselves when they otherwise couldn’t, and the same can be said for Adam Hofmann Revival. Led by Adam Hofmann on piano, this self-titled album, recorded in just three days in NYC, is a perfect example of the special relationship between an artist and their instrument of choice.

The song writing and piano work is front and center throughout the whole record and rightfully so because, like any good songwriter, the honesty in Hofmann’s lyrics are what drive the songs. You can hear it in his lyrics through his somber singing in “Here I Stand”: “I can’t take another minute/not another fleeting chance/the time has come to make it/and I don’t know if I can”. His piano rides along constantly with his voice and is the perfect partner to it, accurately expressing every emotion with ease. The Adam Hofmann Revival could get by with just their strong song writing alone but what makes them even more of a well rounded band is the strength of Adam Hofmann’s voice. It sounds seasoned like that of Joe Cocker in “Shine” and delivers an urgency in songs such as “Then Who Am I” that helps lend an even greater amount of reality to what he‘s trying to say.

The band, now including Brian Sances on guitar, Mike Pinho on bass, and Chris Carroll hitting the skins is solid and their contributions fit Hofmann’s lyrics nicely, allowing the music to match his lyrical tone. They don’t seem to have any problem either with switching from slow ballad concentrated songs to more up-beat pop tunes. The cool neuroticism of “Anxiety” captures the overall essence of this band with it’s self- conscious lyrics, musicianship, and catchy guitar-escalating chorus; it all fits together perfectly with a memorable melody break-down for good measure. Not only does “Anxiety” manage to reflect the bands strengths, it also has a memorable warping synth intro that makes it fittingly sound unlike any other song here and a stand out track.

It comes as no surprise that Adam Hofmann has cited The Beatles and Allman Brothers Band, among others, as influences in his music. You can easily hear their presence in many of the songs, but not to the over-bearing point where it seems like he’s just ripping them off. He successfully channels their timeless presence but adds his own modern feel. Could the likes of other piano men such as Elton John and Billy Joel be brought to mind when listening to Adam Hofmann as well? It wouldn’t be a far stretch to say so. All in all, listener will be given a healthy dose of Rock ‘N’Roll, that means everything from piano ballads to funky nerves. It’s an emotional up and down ride but one that Adam Hofmann seems to be in control of, even if he might not sound so sure of it himself from time to time.

The Outlook

Upon first listen to Berklee College of Music graduate (and a West Bridgewater, MA native) Adam Hofmann's debut release, it is obvious from the outset that this cat is diverse in his influences; rock, funk, blues, jazz, soul, you'll find it all packed within these eight original, emotionally-charged songs. Recorded at Avatar Studios in New York City, Hofmann and his Revival band - Billy Thompson on guitar and bass and Kevin Fortunato on drums - brew up a churning, groove-laden mix of all these various aforementioned vibes and influences, however with a very purposeful approach that digs deeper than simply the influences, but also cultivating them into the ultimate direction of these songs. The opening "I'm OK" reveals the piano chops from the get-go with a rough-edged, Hornsby-meets-Gregg Allmann feel that cuts right to the chase and let's you know where these proceedings are headed. The follow up "Tongue Tied" is a bluesy little romp full of soulful vocals and pounding piano fills running over the top of some deep and impeccable bass lines. "Anxiety" creates a playful drone and a sing-a-long chorus, while the off-beat "Shine" and smooth "Yellow Skies", complete with a sweet closing piano flourish, evokes a jazzy side to the band and interesting change of pace. "Then Who Am I" soars with the conviction of a Townshend-soaked Who ballad, while the closing "Sing Songs" is a beautiful Hofmann piano ballad creating a moving melody for which to deliver a truly soulful vocal.. with the climax evoking a calmness of completion that leaves one feeling the same. Visit Adam Hofmann at adamhofmannrevival.com