Free Space from Chicago has uncorked an undeniably ambitious debut album titled Move, worthy of fulsome praise and attention. This recording features ten genuinely tuneful romps in traditional pop song form with hybrid jazz-rock sensibilities and live interactive flair. Combined with sleek experimental production, the result is intertextual and dynamic; a fleshed-out creation as inspired as it is intelligent and adventurous.
The quartet includes Jim Liggett guitars/vocals, Dan Moulder keys/vocals, Dan Kalnes bass/backing vocals, and John Toth drums/percussion. Also featured, Shawn Costantino weaves savvy saxophone riffs and penetrating solos intermittently throughout. Safe to say, there's no doubt these cats can arrange and play music brimming with creative integrity.
The intro track "Real Time" impresses from the get-go that this is mature songwriting with enough music theory for the trained ear, and clearly embraces the inherent beauty of a lucid melody over a gripping beat. Jim's gentle, whimsical vocal line soars with heartfelt and intuitive glow.
Just when the charm settles in, "Step on the Breaks" unleashes an up-tempo no-nonsense attack with impeccable rhythmic propulsion, nostalgic funky guitar, and a whirring Hammond B3 solo that thrives on as much emotion as muscle. Dan's lead vocals ooze a deeper salt-of-the-earth R&B grit guiding this straightforward tune perfectly. Natural impulse will force you to turn! up! the! volume! Don't fight it, feel it.
And then feel the ethereal dimension on the title track "Move," a hummable and thought-provoking sonic gem with clear-eyed lyrics, meandering vocals, and locksteady rhythm. An arpeggiated keyboard effect creates a winsome vibe of abounding energy, turning out a brilliant sonic detail. The mellifluous chorus is infectious and nearly impossible to shake. "We hear the call/ But we miss the voice/ Waking like it's not of our choice/ Come the day's end we rejoice, rejoice."
One by one by one by two, the vocal lines and melodies burrow into your brain. Lush layered harmonies decorate the songs reminiscing the Beach Boys and Yes in a wondrous, winning tradition. These beguiling songs will stay with you - inside you, like fresh air and sunlight.
Furthermore, lyrical content thoughtfully shifts between the literal and figurative, setting up a nice feel - full of humanity. An existential tone subsides within the introspective lyrics of "Anyway," strengthened by a slick pensive guitar solo. Likewise with "Places Please," a transporting masterpiece of solid songcraft and contemplative sentiment.
Influences are notable here as a reference point -- the jazzy sophistication of Steely Dan, a sparkle of Hornsby, fingerprints of the Police and Yes, phrasings of Sting and Jon Anderson. In grand scope, though, the songwriting is anchored in clear-headed originality with inspirational sources unlimited and uncompromised.
Original ideas sustain without exhaustion, repetition, or falling flat. "Forest Fire" begins with a clever segue of studio-recorded samples, linked together in instrumental hip-hop tradition. Such subtle, yet clutch production touches by Jeff Ciampa create a complimentary 'ear candy' nuance without overshadowing the authenticity of genuine songwriting.
The final track, "Peace of Mind" taps into a bag of unpredictable live interactive tricks. The chemistry is soulful and engaging, musicians reacting off of each other with sensible saxophone, piano, and guitar grooves. Improvised ramblings in the background enhance the quality of an already intimate composition. Unending melodic invention never seems cluttered or claustrophobic. Closure couldn't be more appropriate, doubling here as an invitation to a live Free Space experience in which the improvised expression is even more unexpected, extended, and fearless.
Their passion for creating music leaves an indelible impression -- and therein lies the magic of Free Space. Without evocative songwriting and inspired expression, you've really got nothing. This debut darling Move genuinely sustains several listens, each time revealing new subtleties and surprises. And it just may be the only album you find with a weathered pink hearse parked in shadows center cover. All yours, pabulum free.
1. Real Time
2. Step On the Brakes
3. Move
4. Places Please
5. A Day in Tonight
6. Time to Go
7. Anyway
8. Forest Fire
9. Lights On the Line
10. Peace of Mind