Wes Bowers - Back to the Beginning
Rock, Alternative, Blues
Tennessee, United States
Overall Impression: Somber in nature and atmospherically captivating, "Back to the Beginning" is both a reflective and contemplative piece of songwriting that feels both authentic and honest in its nature. Wes Bowers clearly writes and performs from the heart and you can really feel his devotion and conviction to the music in every melody that is played and chord that is strummed. There is a stripped-back feeling to "Back to the Beginning" that helps the writing feel truly sincere and relatable, whilst there are improvements that can be made, as with any song, this is still a strong effort from a clearly passionate musician.
Strongest Point(s): Overall, the performances are strong, the guitar work is excellent and both the rhythm and lead work really complement one another, and whilst I do feel the heavy use of reverb could be dialed back a bit, the track has a definite sense of atmosphere that is thoroughly absorbing. The lyrics are certainly relatable and the themes explored are sure to hit close to home for many listeners. When there is an authenticity to the lyrics, audiences will naturally find themselves strongly alluded to them, especially when they align with the listener's own experiences, this is something that "Back to the Beginning" gets very right and it's clear Wes is himself singing from a place of experience. Whilst this is very much a lyrically and rhythmically driven song, the subtle yet highly effective melodic embellishments that are interspersed throughout really help to add further intrigue to the song as well as helping to heighten the songs undeniable sense of atmosphere, the flamenco-inspired lead guitar that sees the track out, for instance, is a perfect example of this and helps to highlight Wes's clear eye for melody.
Target Audience Appeal: "Back to the Beginning" is a highly emotive alternative singer-songwriter tune that listeners will certainly find intriguing.
Artist target suggestions: The Goo Goo Dolls, Foo Fighters, Anberlin, Incubus, Staind, Hoobastank, Radiohead, Ben Howard, The Smashing Pumpkins
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.