Cameron Winter – Heavy Metal
“Heavy Metal” is the debut solo album from New York singer Cameron Winter, also frontman of the rock band Geese.
This album is just rugged and raw. If recently you have been feeling heartbroken, or lost in the big confusing world, Mr. Winter has been too and he will tell you about it. On the opening song “The Rolling Stones” he sings, “I was born to swim/Towards a month ago/Towards me and you.” He sounds devoted and full of love but also broken.
The idea of being “born” to be drawn towards another person is the heart of the album. On “Try as I May,” Mr. Winter laments “Try as I may/I’m still fighting for you/In my own long-suffering way.” Who wants to feel like this? But sometimes we can’t help being pulled towards the one we love, no matter what. Even if they make us feel like “A zero dollar man,” as he describes on the song “$0,” we might find it impossible to stop fighting for them.
Mr. Winter has a very distinctive voice, it is deep and imperfect and often wild. But that’s just the thing, epic, also genuine. The instrumentals on the album are sometimes tight and sometimes splotchy, but they come together nicely on each song.
The best song is “Love Takes Miles.” It’s maybe the only part of the album where Mr. Winter sounds really hopeful. “Love will call,” he assures you, even if it takes years or miles. The upbeat drums and piano on this song are also just lovely.
Mr. Winter cited Leonard Cohen’s first album “Songs of Leonard Cohen” as an influence for this project. The poetic confessionary style of the lyrics seems definitely LC inspired. If you enjoy Mr. Cohen and also music coming out today, this might be the perfect mix for you. Check it out!
by James Ivison
