Something Like Sound

I have tried for weeks now to connect the right words into a decent review of this record. The honest truth is that every time I listen to This Empty Northern Hemisphere I get so nostalgic I can’t concentrate. Perhaps it would be best to start with a few facts about the protagonist of this adventure: Gregory Alan Isakov.

Isakov, a Denver local, has been making waves for quite some time now. Originally born in South Africa, he grew up in Philadelphia before finding a home (at least for the present time, thankfully) in Denver. Upfront he has a definite folksy feel with hints of Bob Dylan and a touch of old-fashioned radio programmes (sounds like I’m reviewing a fine wine, also you know something is olde-fashioned if is has unnecessary e’s on the end of it).

As I said earlier, this record gets me nostalgic. Even from the first track, “Dandelion Wine,” a story unfolds. The plot twists and turns through the tracks, with each song standing as it’s own tale. One of my favorites is “Evelyn,” the story of a girl, working the graveyard shift at a gas station, with dreams of the open road and achieving more in her life.

Musically, this album is astonishing. A mixture of classic instruments with a modern flare for style, This Empty Northern Hemisphere captures a certain aspect of Americana that can only be found in song. Through his use of 2 different microphones (a clean and a “tinny” sound), Isakov employs techniques that keep the songs from growing stale too quickly.

As a special treat that comes courtesy of our friends at Suburban Home Records, you can stream the entire record via their embeddable player! Also check out the official MySpace and iTunes for Gregory Alan Isakov.