Everything about this record is pure and raw, almost like labor. Due to the vividness of the lines accompanied by heartfelt, honest tunes, listeners should expect to be swept off and be put in the same emotional state and literal setting that every song is meant to take them. The Ram opens his heart and mind, sharing their sentiments for the world to see.
Getting right into the nine-track record, “Listen to the Cold” – contradicting to the title itself – consists of a warm opening of guitar. The different layers of said instrument have personality, and when the vocals kick in, it completes the entire sound completely, as it’s hitting all the notes, especially the extravagantly low ones just right.
The words have a sense of imagery and nostalgia in them: “You can hear in the fields, such a beautiful sound / Music to the hand that holds the plow / Dinner bell rings call me back to the house” It’s a song about a special moment close to the heart, described and put together in a way that would allow listeners to get a glimpse of that specific setting.
With the soft yet prominent bass line meets a tangy riff in “The Moon’s Loving Light”, the song offers a mix of intricate segments coming together in harmony, and, to put it bluntly, the interlude itself is catchy. It’s versatile in a way that you could imagine more than one scenery upon listening to it, i.e., a nice day at a beloved place, or if you look at the title, you may think of a peaceful night full of jamming to songs like this one.
You know an artist is great when the mere melodies and rhythms touch your mind in that special way, and The Ram is no different. “Join Along” is a song filled with vibes all around, the type to be played at an open bar, or simply a venue with an audience down to listen and appreciate some underrated tunes. Within it is a keyboard melody that adds a nice touch and a sense of calm to the track.
“Love Is a Terrible Thing to Waste” is upbeat, almost feel-good, and has a good old-fashioned country vibe to it. The vocals are truly something else, as it is clearly able to deliver each line with such passion, capacity, and love, to some extent: “When I’m with her, I hold her so closely / ‘Cause I tell you, love is a terrible thing to waste”. It is also worth mentioning that the arrangement is not as simple as it is listening to it, proving The Ram’s musical expertise through the interludes.
Speaking of, the record consists of a short interlude titled “Flip Jam”, in which it has the same intricacy the other full songs have shown so far. But, this one has its own catchy flair, of course.
His confidence radiates through a song called “Unbound”, and rightfully so, considering how complex and personal all these songs are. This is also perfect if listeners want a flash of esteem or even inspiration, as that mood and mindset resonates through and through. “I’m emotion, I am instinct, I am music, I am sound” is almost a chant, but really it’s like he’s claiming there’s always going to be a part of him in the music he makes, which checks out.
“Everything” seemingly talks about, well, everything – more specifically everything there is to love under the sun. However, the lines “When I’ve never felt more alone, everything transforms into something beautiful” are so relatable, as it’s seemingly referring to the way people are more likely to create something meaningful in their darkest hours, or when they are sad.
Similarly, “Perceptual Change” is about the realization of a truth shared to many, which if articulated correctly, is about living life to the fullest and not straying away from change, as it is inevitable. It’s a beautiful repetition throughout the song, and the lines “People come, drift away / The love they bring is everything” primarily stands out, as it urges listeners to never take anyone that matters to them for granted, and to savor moments with them while we share this world in the present.
“Today’s work’s all done” would be right. It is a fitting line from the last track, “Warm of the Fire”, wherein it paints yet another picture of taking a break, as narrated through farmwork. It’s like taking everything back home, a loop somewhat, as it has a similar vibe to the first track. It’s very homey, emotional yet comforting. Definitely a great way to end an album.
All in all, “I Am Nowhere, I Am Everywhere” is a personal take on the wonders of the world, curated through experiencing it. Everyone, regardless of preference, should sit down with a warm beverage and give this a shot, because you won’t regret it.
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About the Author
Kate Clarice Lee is a psychology major in Ateneo de Naga University with a knack for music and writing. She takes interest in playing guitar, poetry, creative writing, and lyrics that—subjectively—hit close to home. Kate mostly enjoys indie, alternative, pop & punk rock music.
