100 RECORDS IN 2022 CHALLENGE

Surfaces-Where The Light Is

Record review #7/100

When we’re young, we put so much stock in our reputation, and we use music to construct much of it. Sure we deny it, but we still bracket bands as guilty pleasures just in case. We build cozy nests of what we like — and what our friends hopefully approve of, and of then, that’s that. Habits & patterns are set, and nothing changes.

If you’re lucky, something knocks you out of that rut, and you pick back up, discovering new music. Or if you’re old enough, rediscovering stuff you skipped the first time around. Ideally, you get to a place where the litmus test isn’t some sort of orthodoxy, but whether or not it makes you move.

I want to think I’m in the latter category, but joining Nia Simone McLeod’s 100 record challenge has forced me to push up against the corners. It’s new, it’s exciting, and most of all it’s fun. Not everything’ll be a win, but that’s all part of what I signed up for.

This pick appeared after I posted what I was doing to Twitter.

One of the responses I received:

Turns out there are two “Where the Light Is” records; one by John Mayer, and one by Surfaces. I went with the latter.

There is absolutely no way I would’ve ever picked up this record had it not been for that chance encounter on Twitter. And there’s no way I would've listened to it had it come out 20 years ago- I just wouldn’t have been open to it. But that was then, and I’m glad I gave this a spin.

Surfaces are the Texas-based duo of Forrest Frank and Colin Padalecki. The pair met after Frank heard recordings Padalecki had made with his cousin while attending Texas A & M. 2019’s “Where The Light Is” is their 2nd (of 4) studio albums.

Their sound is a blend of jazz, soul, and R&B. The record opens with “Beautiful Day,” which feels like a walk on through the neighborhood on a sunny day. It’s light, but not lightweight.

Other favorites include the calypso infused This View. Not the last time I was surprised to be met with steel drums, by the way (see also: the title track), and Sunday Best, which would be right at home coming out of a Jeep at the beach.

Lest anyone think I’ve somehow become hip, I couldn’t figure out why the latter had almost 750m streams on Spotify. Turns out it’s been used extensively on Tik Tok. The kids are all right.

Verdict:

I wasn’t sure what I was getting into with this record, and sort of tiptoed into it. But 2–3 tracks in, I realized I was nodding along and tapping my feet.

The melodies are infectious, and the pair’s musicianship shines through. Bottom line: It’s a solid record. I’m glad I’m at a point where I was open to appreciating it.

As for John Mayer? We’ll see…progress, not perfection.

What do you think? Did I get this one right, or did I miss the mark? Let me know in the comments!

Want to join the fun? Of course, you do! Here’s the original article:

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