Review of Better Late Than Forever by iamCurbie

DISCLAIMER: Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. All music is subjective to the listener. Feel free to leave comments or your own opinion! Thanks! 

Better Late Than Forever is a collection of simplistic and delicate acoustic songs by the New Jersey based artist Curbie Ciamarra (better known as iamCurbie). The album consists of 13 tracks that focus on two elements: voice and guitar. It doesn't get much more raw than that. Curbie has an uncanny ability to tell a story from start to finish. These tracks are relatable to any rugged and hard working class individual, like the song "Spirits (Maggie)" and "Hot Dogs". His lyrics are truthful and you can tell that he is speaking genuinely about his experiences. He talks about becoming a father and shows that he is ready to take on the world. He draws on multiple genres like rock, reggae, alternative and pop. 

Highlights: The album opens up with the melancholy, western-like title/instrumental track that channels the themes of redemption and triumph. In "Ego to Feed", I enjoy the sing along section around 2:23. His voice is doubled to create a chorus/choir effect. "In the Shade" has a similar section and a phased/flanged guitar. "Currents" evokes a stoner rock vibe and shares some similarities with "Space Cadet" by Kyuss. Both have that feeling of driving down a long dirt road in the deep south somewhere. Adding his baby son's voice to the end of "159" was sweetly creative and helped craft the story. The guitars are shimmery and full sounding. I enjoyed the effects that were used to help give the tracks more variety and pizazz like reverb, delay, doubling and phasing. 

For what it's worth, this album is solid. However, I can imagine these songs being played with a full band. They have the power and drive to sound good acoustically, but they can also rock really hard too. Check out iamCurbie's music below and tour dates on his website! Cheers!  

-JM

Score: 7.7

Favorite Track: "Currents"


Website: http://www.iamcurbie.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcurbie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamcurbie/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iamcurbie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcurbie

Email: IAMCURBIE@GMAIL.COM

Reverb Nation: https://www.reverbnation.com/iamcurbie