Katarzyna NINa Górnisiewicz | Detailed or mini-review submissions: song, EP/album | Suggest an artist

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Ferni - Blame (song review) |Gradation Music, Afterburn EP, 2013|

"Blame" is a rock ballad written, performed, and recorded by Ferni Lopez - a singer and multi-instrumentalist from Houston, Texas. He’s a veteran of writing and playing music inspired by alternative, folk rock, and blues genres, as well as the founder of Brother Sol and Of Love And Justice bands. The song comes from his solo EP Afterburn, released in December 2013.

Rock ballads usually stick to the theme of "it could have been better" and lyrically refer to topics such as unsuccessful relationships, loss, loneliness, misunderstandings, unresolved problems, unrealistic desires etc., supported by melodious, nostalgic tunes. "Blame" firmly fits into that framework.

The track opening will immediately pull your attention into the mood thanks to deep, pensive bass tones with additional cymbals. A slow beat of a hand-held drum and a melancholic guitar come into play shortly afterwards. Highly expressive vocals are specifically what a song with a lullaby-like tempo definitely needs to make the contrasting sounds harmonious and well-matched. Indeed, Ferni’s slightly raspy voice fits in perfectly here. He can definitely sing and adjust his voice to across several ranges very well. The chorus sounds memorable and is exactly what a highly listenable radio or movie song requires.
The final part includes a careful and gentle, high-pitched guitar solo that melts into the whole track without stealing the focus, thanks to the harmoniously layered bass and drums tracks.

The arrangements and the composition have been put together skillfully. Needless to say, it’s quite surprising that one man can perform a song fit for an entire four-piece band, but Ferni's the living proof for this. His music bears inspiration from artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., The Who, Mumford & Sons, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers or Led Zeppelin. Therefore, if you like a nostalgic, guitar-driven vibe, you should enjoy "Blame".

(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, March 31st, 2014. Proofreading: Mike 'Vesper' Dziewoński)

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