This week Joe Hedges, frontman for July for Kings, celebrates the release of his new solo album, Alchemy, with a unique release show. Friday’s event is a multimedia extravaganza timed to the Final Friday Gallery Walk in Over-the-Rhine and taking place at the old St. Theresa Textile Trove space at 1329 Main St. Along with performing songs from Alchemy, Hedges will also unveil some of his latest paintings and premiere a music video. The art opening kicks off at 6 p.m., and Hedges performs at 8. Head to www.joehedges.com for more details and a free download of Alchemy track “Half-Right.”
As shown on Hedges’ 2007 solo debut, Curvature, the singer/songwriter’s solo material is quite different from July For King’s radio-ready Rock. Instead of going “solo acoustic,” he uses the studio like another band member/instrument and the results, while still accessible and often catchy, are definitely more “artsy” and versatile than JFK’s output.
Hedges (who produced and played all instruments, save drums) finds a nice balance between acoustic instrumentation (piano, drums, guitar) and smartly sculpted electronics on Alchemy (overused Autotune “robot voice” effect notwithstanding). Drum loops and synths are used prominently, but tastefully and creatively, more in the way Peter Gabriel works than the overbearing manner in which many ’80s-lovin’ bands today utilize technology. Likewise, Hedges’ compositions — which range from broadly atmospheric to more direct and upbeat — are elegant, his songwriting mature and accomplished and his soundscapes provocative and full of depth.
Go here to read Mike Breen’s full Spill It column on this and other local music events this weekend.
This article appears in Oct 27 – Nov 2, 2010.
