Damion Suomi Needs A Little Water, by Damion Suomi
May 20th, 2010 | Published in Music Reviews, Podcast
The follow up to his full-length release on P is for Panda Records, based out of Atlanta, Damion Suomi Needs A Little Water, is a 3-song EP that that will captivate listeners and instantly set them right in the center of the music. When you listen to this EP, you can’t help but snap your fingers, stomp your feet, or just get into it in some way!
Suomi’s songwriting ability is something that music has needed for quite some time. He cuts away the cheesy crap about “he said, she said” junk that you keep finding weak-ass bands puking up all over the radio & TV. There’s nothing cookie-cutter, over-produced, or pretty about his music and that’s exactly why I’ve been drawn in to it. Because it’s real. It’s deep. It’s thought provoking. Finally, there’s no big lights and big-show facade to hide behind like we see on shows like American Idol. Here’s a man with his guitar & a story to tell.
Suomi can play the guitar as well as he writes lyrics. When I hear him play, I can’t help but hear little movements maybe borrowed from Hank Williams, or Chet Atkins. Then there are times you might catch a hint of Dylan or Taylor. Then there’s the angst of a Neil Young. It’s really diverse and matches his lyrics perfectly. For this EP, you’ll hear a range of different instruments. On 2/3 songs you hear a piano. And not just any studio piano. Reminds me of an old harpsichord or one of those player pianos you’d see in an old Western. It adds such an interesting layer to the music.
What struck me immediately after listening to this EP is that there’s an overwhelming theme of honesty throughout the record. It’s as if Suomi is sharing the deep parts and wanderings of his soul with us; a portrait which seems central to Suomi’s music.
Let’s talk tracks. My favorite of the 3? My numero uno favorite is the third track, “The Lion, The Ram, and the Fish”. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a more honest monologue written about life. The first time I heard this song I was near tears because it’s a lot of what I’ve always wanted to say or hear from other people…just an honest explanation of how we all fail at life and what remains true and constant. Loved it. I will probably never be able to write how good that song is. After that, track 2, “Burn the Pain” really tickled my fancy. Honest lyrics, excellent composition & arrangement, and overall, just the kind of song you want to sing along with…in fact, one night me & 2 of my friends found ourselves sitting around a guitar singing it!
Suomi reminds me of a more polished, less seasoned Neil Young. In fact, whenever I listen to his records, I’m always transported to a different time when the singer/songwriter reigned supreme. As far as I can tell, we may see that time again with guys like Damion Suomi leading the charge. This EP is a brilliant showcase of what’s to come for Suomi’s sophomore release on Panda. Looking forward to it.
