Jake Morley - Some Things Are Like Other 
Things
Release Date: Out Now
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Jake Morley is going underappreciated in his life time and that is a crying shame. 'Some Things Are Like Other Things' is Morley's latest album and features his typical storytelling lyrical style, superb musicianship, heart and intelligence but this feels like the most open and honest offering yet as he tackles the death of his father as a direct result of the July 7th London bombings, becoming a father for the first time and other life changing events. So if you're new to this world then join in now but then take the time to go back and enjoy his earlier works too, you will not regret it and that's a Monger guarantee.
Opening with 'So I Had A Dream', we find Morley in stomping but reflective mood as he uses call and response vocals to unpick his subconscious which features representations of his dad, Olivia Coleman, Tom Morello and apocalyptic visions - the most original set of lyrics I've heard in a long time. This is followed up by 'Hands', a mellower but still mesmeric song about, well, hands and the range of things they can do with their dexterity featuring Morley's own impressive finger-work on the guitar. The piano and guitar meander of 'Other Ideas' is tinged with country tones but also the kind of mature and accomplished songwriting you might expect of more globally established artists.
'Asking For A Friend' is a cry for help in the most English way possible set to Jose Gonzalez-esque guitars as the lyrics tell a tale of someone keeping up a facade of success while they are crumbling beneath the surface. The wholesome melodies and loving lyrics of 'Keep Me Around' are supremely comforting despite the lack of self-confidence contained therein while 'Captured' has a soft, slow dance vibe but opens with the line "I've been captured by a powerful organisation in California" and builds to a sweeping string section so, there's that to chew on. There's a real morning after the night before energy about 'Childish Thoughts' with its sprinkled piano notes and confessional lyrics bouncing along gently on the undulating acoustic melodies.
The obsessive compulsive them of 'Trace It Back' fits perfectly with the mechanical percussion, hammered guitar strings and the lyrics which explore the idea of feeling great but not understanding or trusting why. Similarly, 'Push The Button' has a wonderfully unique energy that feels almost childlike but explores the dream of having an 'undo' button in real life set to Paul Simon inspired guitars and the kind of melody that makes you breathe a little more deeply. "Love is like a wild lake, looks pretty from a distance, kind of a shock when you first jump in then it feels amazing" is the brilliant opening line to title track 'Some Things Are Like Other Things' and this whole song just envelopes you with love, wisdom, calm and beauty - it's bringing a tear to my eye as I write this but I honestly can't recommend it enough if you need a little perspective or warmth in your life.
Penultimate track 'Knots' is song that sounds like a raindrop making its way down a window pane on a slow, grey day but there is beauty and sadness in among the strings, words and breaths. The album climaxes on 'No Drama' which opens with a line that will resonate with many new parents ("No drama, somebody put me in charge of a child, I can't even take care of my sleepless mind") but also recognises that appeal and natural pull of becoming a parent for many that leads to transitioning to a new stage of life. This is an album full of outstanding songwriting, humour, wisdom, grief and love which would be enough for many but to wrap that up in superb musicianship and a huge amount of warmth just seals the deal. And, for once, this is an album that is being released at the perfect time as this is an incredibly Autumnal album and I am here for that every day of the week.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/jakemorleymusic