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Zerbey: Ain't Compicated
[self-released]

Rich Zerbey has been playin on the gee-tar for some time now. Since the age of five, hes been working with the instrument and developing in family and friend jams, even playing his first bar at age twelve. Those seem like pretty damn good credentials if you ask me. However, and yes, here it comes, the however I could not really get into this album. Believe me, I did try. I just couldnt pull much out of it.

Being based in the singer-songwriter vein, there is a lot of acoustic strumming and lead overlays thrown into the work. The songs become very structured, almost predictably structured at times. I feel like hes trying to work with too many pre-conceived styles and ideas, which cut out that wonderful possibility for growth and improv, the mystery. Sometimes even feeling can be cut out that way.

Its a pretty bass-less album, and the drum just kinda jumps and pops in the background, which is good for showcasing the guitar. Zerbeys voice seems to be the most intriguing thing laid into the mix, but I cant figure out if thats good or not. Its not one of those voices that you immediately mesh with; it might take a bit of time. Being extremely honest and bare, he just doesnt put the reverb or the extra kick in the guitar where theyre needed. Everything seems to be run a bit too clean, a little too honest and open for my tastes. Maybe even a bit dry at times.

How can I describe that voice? After listening to it, heres the closest I can get right now: its like a stirred, boiling cauldron of Neil Young, David Byrne, Lou Reed and even Spinal Tap at times. Its not so much a conglomeration of these guys though; its more like he just borrowed inflections or certain aspects of their voices. The lyrics seemed a bit preachy as well. Perhaps Im a sucker for disguised lyrics and voices, but that voice has to grab peoples attention, make it more haunting or distant.

I just had a hard time with this one. Im sure therere plenty of people out there who would love this album, but it was a bit too contemporary and cut-and-paste for me. I didnt find myself intently waiting for the next song to come on; I was having more fun listening to my roommates make noise below me.

This album can be purchased at Amazon

Zerbey Official Website

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