Review: "From Mercury to Cupid" by Jeremiah Akin

I first met Jeremiah Akin, about a year and a half ago, in Lawrence, Kansas, at a venue that is no longer in business. The singer-songwriter from Moscow, Idaho was there on a tour across the country in his Prius. My band, Electric Needle Room, opened up for his solo act. Hardly anyone was there, of course, but Jeremiah had a passionate, charismatic, and memorable set. He played heartfelt songs, just him and his guitar. It was an intimate performance that really connected with the small audience.

His recordings tend to be more epic, with a full band backing his intimate songs. His second full-length album, From Mercury to Cupid, is even more epic and energetic, with the electric guitars turned up loud. It's an eclectic album, at times rocking out, at times in the spirit of more traditional mellow singer-songwriter stuff, and at other times the album has a more jazz feel. It's the best roots rock album I've heard in awhile- it actually reminds me of Paul Westerberg's more recent recordings.

Standout tracks include "The Ballad of Helen Troy," "Shock Therapy," "Save Me (Get Away)," a cover of Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box," and "Romeo's Rut." My favorite song, "Shock Therapy," has fun percussion, weird barking noises, and lyrics about the prescribed therapeutic relief from…a relationship? "Save Me (Get Away)" is a roots-rock dance hit with a driving beat and an addictive riff. "Romeo's Rut" is family rivalry ballad that's dark and haunting with the greatest line from the whole album: "The peace between our families is the end of you and I." It features girl/boy vocals that compliment each other well, especially the background soprano vocal part.

Jeremiah's biggest strength is his ability to write clever and unique lyrics. His lyrics are a refreshingly candid and straightforward. What's best about them is that they are not unambiguous, leaving them almost vulnerable and more honest. This is coming from someone who rarely even pays attention to lyrics!

So if you're still reading this, it's time to head over to Mr. Akin's Bandcamp page for his latest album to stream and purchase it. You'll be glad you took the time.