Album Review: Horizons By Ohio Waves


Ohio Waves' debut album, Horizons, is a standout record that champions the raw power of a single artist. Stripped down to just vocals and an acoustic guitar, the album is a refreshing departure from the often overproduced soundscapes of modern music. It’s a brave choice that pays off, creating an intimate and deeply personal listening experience that feels both immediate and timeless.


The album's greatest strength lies in its intricate guitar work and powerful storytelling. Ohio Waves' playing is not just a backdrop; it's a character in itself, weaving a complex and intimate narrative with every chord and melody. This is perfectly complemented by his strong lyricism. The storytelling is so vivid, it paints a clear picture of a young artist's journey from a small town to the vast possibilities of a new life. A standout moment is the lyric from the track "Emerika," where the line, "I'll leave these scars and stripes behind," serves as a clever and poignant critique of our nation's complex identity, adding an unexpected layer of depth to the album's themes.


While the stripped-back production is a deliberate choice and a significant part of the album's appeal, it occasionally leads to some minor balance issues. While no one is perfect, I feel like if the artist wants to better their skills, mastering would be the greatest area to work on! There are moments where the vocals, rich with emotion, seem to overpower the subtle yet crucial guitar work. At times, the pacing of the guitar and vocals can feel slightly mismatched, creating a sound that feels a bit busy and makes it hard to focus on the individual elements. These are small imperfections, however, that don’t detract from the overall emotional impact and authenticity of the record. 


In an age where virality is often prioritized more than storytelling, Ohio Waves is bringing back simplicity and true artistry. 

Overall I'd give this album an 8.5/10 and you should definitely listen if you appreciate poeticism in music!




Stream Horizons here!


Follow Ohio Waves here!



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Artist Interview: Shallo

Image
  Meet SHALLO, the Dublin-based duo composed of Shawn and Willow, blending alternative rock and metal with high-energy live performances. In this interview, they share the story behind their music, their creative process, and what's next for the band. Tori: Congrats on your new single “Betrayal”! Can you tell us about the story behind it and how it came together? Shawn: It began with me having an initial idea for most of the song. I knew what I wanted the lyrical theme to be, and the riffs and melodies followed that. Most of our songs begin with that anyway, and I record it all into my computer and send it off to Willow. Willow: When I got the first draft of the song, one of the first ideas I had was in the bridge. The original version that Shawn sent me did not have any vocals for the bridge, just the riff. Shawn straight up told me "Do something here". This gave me the space to come up with the bridge vocal part that thematically fit the song. Tori: What was the inspir...
Read more

Artist interview: Alex Haines

Image
  Today, chat with Alex Haines, a captivating artist whose journey in music began even before she could speak. From belting out "I'm a Little Teapot" in a high chair to crafting intricate melodic metal, Alex has forged a unique path as a self-producing musician. Join us as we delve into her earliest musical memories, the inspirations behind her powerful songwriting, and the pivotal moments that shaped her solo career, including her upcoming EP, "The Rain on Your Parade." Tori: Given your deep history with music, singing since before you could talk, what's your earliest memory of connecting with music on an emotional level? Alex: I’ll give you a few, since they all feel connected. My earliest memory is of sitting in a high chair, singing “I’m a Little Teapot” (replete with interpretive dance) while my parents cheered me on, like an audience watching a legitimate stage performance. It felt magical. Months later, I learned to walk while “California Dreamin” by ...
Read more

Artist Interview: Meiia

Image
With a sound that effortlessly fuses soul, pop, and funk, Australian artist Meiia is quickly carving out her place in the alt-pop world. Her upcoming single “Boys Like You” channels sharp-witted lyricism, bold grooves, and emotional honesty, all delivered with her signature vocal sass. In this interview, Meiia opens up about being ghosted (again), the thrill of collaboration, and what it means to find empowerment in hindsight. We caught up with her to talk about her creative process, growing up surrounded by stellar music, and the realities of navigating the music industry with humor, resilience, and a whole lot of heart. Tori: What inspired the creation of your upcoming single "Boys Like You," and what message do you hope listeners take away from the song? Meiia: This song was so fun to make! The topic, however, not so fun. The meaning behind it really came from being ghosted so many times for literally no reason at all. And then, like actual clockwork—they would always come...
Read more