It's not often indiemonkey.com will dictate to anyone. However, stop whatever you're doing, put 'I Am Here Now' in your stereo, settle down and take the time to appreciate this latest solo effort from ex-Riverdogs frontman, Rob Lamothe. If you are a fan of acoustic folk/pop music, you will be more than glad you did.
Predominantly recorded with only the aid of a soothing acoustic guitar, the odd flourish of electric and some expressive percussion, 'I Am Here Now' is the very definition of the phrase 'stripped down', but the 13 songs on it make for an extremely rewarding listen.  Rob's soulful voice, and that of back-up singer Lisa Winn remains the chief instrument.
However, that is no criticism as Rob's voice conveys songs of loss, love and longing that register on an intensely emotive platform. Only the hardest of hearts will be unmoved by the stirring opener 'Strongest Man In The World' or the anguished 'Kevin Was My Cousin'. The former pays tribute to a father figure and the legacy of memories his death leaves, while the latter rages quietly about the chilling murder of a young life: "shot down in cold blood/for two hundred dollars/that's fifty dollars a life". Lamothe's songs tell stories, and not all of them have happy endings, but it makes a pleasant change to hear some thought provoking music that actually says something.
The fact that there are so many good songs on the album means it's almost a shame to have to deconstruct and analyse it. The songs aren't about zippy melodies or sprightly choruses and despite the use of relatively few instruments and zero production embellishments, there is a musical and lyrical depth to these tunes which requires you to really get under their skin. Listening to the sparse, yet starkly effective 'Saracen Blade' or equally minimal 'Ship Song' are cases in point. They are there to be enjoyed, preferably in a smoky room with the lights turned low.
However, don't mistakenly believe that 'I Am Here Now' is a dirge filled, melancholic record, because songs such as the upbeat 'Light Of You' prove otherwise. 'Raining All Over' is an ode to hope and better days and makes use of some gorgeous penny-whistle to give it a distinctly organic feel. The diversity of material on the album continues with the rocky 'Mantra', which has a full band sound and a definite modern edge to it as well as some great combination vocals. A similar burst of energy is found on another highlight, 'Misery'. Featuring one of the more instant choruses on the album, and with some great acoustic guitar work, it doesn't take long for this to embed itself on the memory. Standout song, though has to be the poignant mid paced 'Pennsylvania', which is folky, yet entirely accessible and poppy.
Rob is working on new material at the moment for a forthcoming follow-up to 'I Am Here Now' and if he manages to produce more eloquently written songs of similar intensity to these, then no doubt I will repeat then what I say now: Buy, buy, buy. And that's an order. - Andrew Ellis (ED Note: You do not have to listen to Andrew, but hey he sounds like the voice in your head anyway, so you may as well.)

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