It was a night of dreamy, feel-good tunes as Gregory Alan Isakov wowed the crowd at Soho with songs from his new album "The Weatherman". With raw emotion and lyrics that matched his folksy aesthetic, Gregory Alan Isakov is not just any acoustic folk singer; he's a poet that pulls at your heart as his voice dissipates through the air like a heady incense fills a room. Isakov's music evokes open plains, blue skies, and the feeling of the sun on your face in the summertime. There is something innately genuine about Isakov that separates him from other singers in his genre. His melodies are simple, and his lyrics are at times dark, but there is a stamp of authenticity that so many other artists lack that he possesses effortlessly. In the last five years, acoustic folk acts have become immensely popular, yet so many of the songs have the same patterns and are for a lack of a better word, uninspired. The pain, loss, and heartbreak are evident in Isakov's music, but are displayed gracefully through his warm, grainy voice that has the quality of making you feel calm and comfortable. "The Weatherman" is a sweet contrast from some of his previous albums like "The Empty Northern Hemisphere" and "That Sea, The Gambler". The new album holds a sacred and personal sound that makes it an emotional experience to listen to. Soho was quiet with wonder as each note slowly dripped into the air- songs like "The Universe" and "Suitcase Full of Sparks" were captivating and profound. Gregory Alan Isakov has similarities to singers like Ray LaMontagne, who also sings of past experiences and shares what seems like deep, personal thoughts through sensitive lyrics, that strike a chord with their audiences. Isakov's musicality and ability to penetrate to your core makes his music ideal to listen to on a quiet day, as it is reflective and heavy with true feelings. There is a kind of "beautiful sadness" that is embodied throughout "The Weatherman". In its deceptive simplicity, the album is a culmination of what people crave most in life, which is the ability to fall in love, learning to let go, and coming home. It's as if Isakov is giving the listener a small taste of his soul through each song, as Soho's audience was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Isakov presents a refreshing sound that has the earthy resonance good folk music has, with a unique approach that puts him above the rest.
I recommend "The Universe" and "Saint Valentine" on "The Weatherman"
