The Cypress Point Demos
Joshua Ketchmark Taps Into Punk-Rock Influences on Dynamic New Album,
“The Cypress Point Demos,” Due Out July 12th, 2016
Rock artist Joshua Ketchmark’s multi-dimensional new album, “The Cypress Point Demos,” will be released on July 12th, 2016. Ketchmark is a musician that fearlessly marches into the unknown with prized sonic ambition and dedication to exploring emotional transgressions. In 2012, he accomplished the feat of releasing three distinctly different and exploratory EPs in the form of “The Bittersweet,” “The Ignited,” and “The Dreamer Disease.” Due to their individual successes, these EP’s were re-released in 2016 as a compilation featuring two new bonus tracks. Each release was met with critical success while providing Ketchmark the chance to explore his musical roots and develop his own sound even further. He presents that uniquely defined sound on the New York City 1980’s punk-era feel that runs rampant on “The Cypress Point Demos.”
Opening track, “At Our Worst” is a radically, energetic display of instrumentation built upon the weary life of being a musician. Ketchmark captures the chaotic essence of life on the road, pouring his worst moments into notes and words. It is intense and dynamic, the perfect beginning to his journey. Inspired by a simple phrase, “we’re gonna stay friends,” the slamming drums of “Delicate In White” capture a moment of loss in perfect clarity. The tension is audaciously laid out, wrapped up in the anthemic vocals and harrowing melody.
Inspired by old family Holiday’s back in Illinois, Ketchmark’s knack for bringing memories to life bleeds into the electric vibe of “Deserters Grave.” Striking the perfect balance between sweet wooziness and a cacophony of electric guitar and pounding drums — it’s a bittersweet look at what what we all lose with time. The momentary break from layers of sound comes in the form of, “Sin.” Graceful piano and acoustic atmospheric presentation morph into an invigorating vocal crescendo. Equal parts sentimental and buried in frustration, it’s a true testament to Ketchmark as a storyteller.
Immediately burning and buzzing, “Hazy Shade of Winter” builds constantly to a never ending climactic howl. This Paul Simon cover is one the album’s many highlights, a cascading social commentary that bursts into explosive waves of drums and guitar. The album surprises you with an altogether different sound on the Ketchmark-style power ballad, “Call My Name.” Gritty and affected, his voice croons and sways across the melody, lost in buried memories and haunted moments. The stadium sized electric guitar solo and billowing emotional experience collide to create a tender, yet power dismantling of the punk rock edge fluent throughout the record. Then there’s the heartbreaking lead single, “She Was My Souvenir” is a weary track that internalizes the ache of watching a lover move on. The densely worded hook slams away like a heartbeat, coinciding uninhibitedly with the verses, which paint a picture of unrequited love.
Joshua Ketchmark comes into his own on this portrait of a man that thrives on emotional reminiscent and analog inspired soundscapes. “The Cyprus Point Demos” is a connected and coherent journey through the mind of it’s creator. Check out Joshua Ketchmark’s newest album, “The Cyprus Point Demos” when it is released on July 12th, 2016.