'Smoke Signals' starts off with just music which I feel gives a whole overview of what to expect from the album, starting with a beautiful and delicate sound and then building into the song to something a little faster and upbeat sounding. To me it's a moving on song and leaving your troubles behind and getting on with life. The chorus, Chris shows off his vocal abilities drawing in some power. 'Something New' is so relatable and just a story of life and being able to get on with life despite how little you way have. It's a slow song but with optimism there, it's one of my favourite songs on the album because its just so optimistic and by the end it turns quite upbeat and is almost an anthem about stating over and trying something new.
'Aeroplane' begins with some whistling which is typical of folk music and sounds almost like a daydream. Using strength to his usual delicate tone, Chris Althorne has created a song that sounds very reminiscent and of children optimism which reminds me of home. It's short but sweet. 'On My Mind' is simply beautiful, this is the stand out for me. There's so much passion and emotion being pulled into the song and you can definitely feel that as you listen to the song which makes it all that more special. 'Oh, honey you're on my mind, everyday and night', clearly a man in love fighting to keep the person he loves with him. There is only one word to describe this song and it's gorgeous. I can imagine that this song sounds amazing live and a song that you can just get lost in.
'Run' gave me shivers, just describing life and how it 'ain't like when we were young', the difficulties of growing up. Each song has a lot of depth to it which I really like as well as wonderful song writing. There's lots of rise and fall in 'Run' which makes it incredibly interesting and power behind his voice at the end. 'I'll Be Fine' maybe with a influences from George Ezra in the music Chris' voice claims the song. 'I'm not lost in love, just going blind' definitely a lyric you can relate to if you've ever been in love and having that person beside you through thick and thin.
'Wind Fire Water Stone' adds a female vocalist to the mix which blends well with Chris', both having unique tones to their voices. It definitely sounds a little more country than anything else on the album again a love song and having that special someone in your life and how they support each other. 'Tongue Tied' about losing love and trying to make things work when their falling apart. It's simple and beautiful yet again. Not knowing what to say to each other to make things right. Another stand out track, in my opinion, with its simplicity and how much people will be able to relate to it. Again he draws into his power and passion making you realise how much it means to him.
'Sticks and Stones' is one of my favourite songs on his ten track album, it's a little slower but still incredibly catchy. It has an echo-y sound to it which I always love, it makes the song sound a little breathy and maybe in a little haunting. Reminding a little of Josh Record's album and we all know how much I loved that. I like the lyrics of 'its hard to know when you can't find love'. I think it's just a beautiful lyric and something that I could definitely relate to thinking about previous times in my life. 'You To Me' is similar also and definitely a love song for someone and no matter what happens in that relationship 'I belong to you' they're always their for each other. It's a very comforting song, in my opinion and I love the use of the harmonica as it adds to the folk sound.
If you're looking for something unique and powerful. An album that will make you think but will also be your favourite sit down and relax album, this is the album to go for. With pure talent and a unique sound there is no doubt in my mind we will hear more when Oktoba release 'Smoke Signals' on Thursday. You can pre-order the album here.
Check out Oktoba 'Tongue Tied' Live in Studio below:
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