I heard this album while perusing Bandcamp’s New & Notable editorial section. On my first listen, I thought the lead single, “Siri, How Do I Know If I Have Commitment Issues?” was reminiscent of study beat music. I didn’t listen to the album or save it for later listening. However, over time, I kept returning to those rhythms and melodies, as they created a strong sense of nostalgia for me. I believe that meaningful music beckons the listener to return because it evokes an emotional response. Sam Wilkes & Jacob Mann Perform The Compositions Of Sam Wilkes & Jacob Mann evoked memories of fond moments in my life with a disarmingly warm, meditative, and playful aesthetic.
The depth behind these recordings became clear on repeated listens: with switch ups in melody, beats, and mixing preventing each (multi-phased) composition from growing stale. Additionally, each piece features layers of melodies that stack over hypnotic production and coalesce into a beautiful harmony of tones. The sounds were comforting and felt deeply personal—perhaps due to the analog qualities of the synthesizer and bass guitars washing over each recording. The album’s tracklist also maintains a consistent pace, with frequent interludes providing smooth transitions between different sounds and styles. Each song has a rhythmic component, but those rhythms are also melodies: a punchy attack and sharp decay giving each track a melodic pulse. The tone and soundcraft of the record is reminiscent of Boards of Canada—if the Canadian duo lived somewhere warmer and less isolated. Each song‘s recording displays a human element, too: from the breathy breakbeats on “Siri, Can You…” to the vocal samples that hang in the background on “Wichita Wilkes,” which give the record a dreamlike quality that encourages the nostalgic experience I had while listening to each song.
There are many editions of the record: digital, vinyl, and cassette. Each edition includes quirky art created by either the artists or their friends. For example, the duo likes baseball, so some editions include baseball cards with statistics about the albums or productions each member was involved in at the time of the album’s release. Other editions come with studio photographs, recommended listening, or drawings made by the duo. I purchased the vinyl edition, which includes the album’s credits displayed over a solitaire game backdrop. It also comes with photographs of the musicians, not just working together in the studio, but living, eating, and traveling together as friends. The art behind the record injects personality into everyday objects, which further adds to the fun and relatability of engaging with the music.
I believe that great records resonate personally with the listener, even if the listener’s experience differs from the one the musician intended to craft. For example, although it’s ambiguous whether Sam and Jacob created this music to elicit those memories, this record evokes memories of companionship with my friends and family. With one song, I remember my friends and I sharing stories while driving across the Mojave desert on our way to another hiking destination, simply enjoying the pleasure of each other’s company. With another song, I recall my wife observing a chicken that she held— she looked so thoughtful about the condition of this creature, which she cared so deeply about. Music can provide a pathway to understanding how the artist feels without the extra requirements of sharing their reality or memories. Seeing things exactly from another’s perspective is nearly impossible. But great music can make us empathetic, passionate, and self-reflective.
I appreciate these compositions made by Sam and Jacob, as they made me reflect on what brings me joy. I’m curious: will others have a similar experience to their music? I’m saving this record for many future listens and will keep an eye out for any new releases from these talented musicians. Support these artists by purchasing their music, or catch them on their next tour if they’re performing nearby.
– Evan
Edited by: Seán Pierce