ALBUM REVIEW: Certain Freedoms – Trade Wind

Musical freedom is an endeavour most artists strive for. Whilst it might seem to be have a backseat position in some creative processes, self respecting artists strive for the freedom to truly experiment with every idea that pops into their heads. When saddled to already established acts with their own sound and audience it can be difficult to even humour the pursuit of alternative avenues. Because of this need to spread one’s wings, we have been gifted some of the finest alternative projects throughout the years, from the likes of KILLER BE KILLED and right the way through to THE BLACK QUEEN and CROSSES. It’s can sometimes the likeliest of stable mates who end up writing music that comes truly from left field, and this is what makes TRADE WIND such a joyous project to get on board with.

For anyone who is a fan of STICK TO YOUR GUNS or STRAY FROM THE PATH, you owe it to yourself to at least check out what Jesse Barnett and Tom Williams have done with TRADE WIND. The post-rock and indie influences seem far from the pedigree of both gentlemen, but in the pursuit of true musical freedom, TRADE WIND have produced one of the most emotional musical journeys of the year in their latest offering, Certain Freedoms.

If their previous work on debut You Make Everything Disappear was a small glimpse into what the band can do, then Certain Freedoms is them taking huge, confident strides into the unknown. Surrender gently opens the album with soft guitars that eventually reveal one of Barnett’s best recorded vocal performances. The honesty in his voice is tangible, and the lyrics are relatable enough to offer a strong anchor for listeners to latch onto throughout the whole record. No King But Me shows the band to still be more than capable of writing catchy and elegant rock songs. The song builds and adds layers with each passing verse and chorus, eventually culminating on a triumphant end that gives the album a concrete platform to start from.

And spring forth the album does, bringing it with a deep well of different motifs that build off one another with inspiring ease. The album flows beautifully, as the heavy bass of Close Encounters transforms into the delicate piano of I Can’t Believe Your Gone; one of the finest pieces of music to be released this year, as it evolves from restrained piano to a swelling climax and back again. The first half of the album builds towards the immense highlight of the title track; that boasts an affecting chorus that will fully suck in anyone who might have somehow been teetering on the edge during the previous songs.

The sincerity in the lyrical delivery is one of the strongest elements of Certain Freedoms and it also serves as a key reason for returning again, and again. The softly spoken lyrics in How’s Your Head? that feels like an old friend touching base again is an overwhelming moment on the album, and the following Cut demonstrates again, with effortless grace, the incredible songwriting ability the four members of TRADE WIND all possess in droves. Certain Freedoms doesn’t feel to be an album that dwells on any one emotion either. As it flutters with sadness there will be a lyrical moment, or a musical avenue that opens up and offers an alternative in the moment, reflecting the changing attitudes of life and the experiences that come with it. Certain Freedoms begs you to see even the hardest things from a positive, and constructive, angle.

The album closes with a tangible sense of wholeheartedness. TRADE WIND haven’t made an album that builds off of primal emotions, or that dwells on the awfulness of situations. It feels human as a result, and is deeply welcoming for multiple repeat listens. Each new listen will likely reveal a nuance about the album that wasn’t noticed first time round, and getting any chance to listen to the gorgeous lyrical work of Barnett is reason enough to go back.

TRADE WIND have done well to remain so under the radar given the quality of music they are writing, as well as their membership. With so much music flowing through each member, it’s clear why TRADE WIND has been able to evolve to deliver the artistry is does. There are influences from all over the shop here, and the transparent care with which Certain Freedoms has been made with helps make the strong connection it seeks with its listener. There is a tremendous amount to be discovered in Certain Freedoms, and indeed in the rest of the small-but-expansive TRADE WIND back catalogue. This is an album with a beating, bleeding heart, and it’s genuinely beautiful to listen to.

Rating: 10/10

Certain Freedoms is set for release April 26th via End Hits Records.

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