Hailing from Irvine, CA, is singer-songwriter and musician Lamposts with his latest work of art, the conceptual 10-track album Don't Follow.
Lamposts' music career is nothing short of impressive. James Peter Pham Carroll started taking piano lessons by age seven, later writing his songs at ten. A few years later, he got his first guitar and started playing in bands in his late 20s. From there, he's pumped out music as a solo musician and under the moniker Lamposts, as seen in his latest 10-track album, Don't Follow.
The album opens with the reflective and soothing intro track, "Armageddon," kicking off with spacey, reverbed guitar melodies that fade and drone in the background alongside James' soothing yet haunting vocals. We love the alternative appeal in this song, infusing the album with a cinematic and thought-provoking experience from the get-go. It's a gentle yet slightly melancholy song that perfectly highlights Lamposts' artistic versatility.
Taking us by surprise is the album's second track, "Don't You Hesitate," pouncing through the speakers with a heavy rock rumble, unleashing the beast inside. This track acts as an interlude, being only 56 seconds long but a powerful 56 seconds. With elements reminiscent of System Of A Down and an alluring alternative rock vocal flair, Lamposts instantly grabs our attention and doesn't let go.
Tossing us into track number three, "Try Your Very Best," Lamposts ups the vibe with a lighter, rhythmic, alternative rock feel while blessing the speakers with his melodic vocals. As Lamposts reminds us to try our best and conquer, he switches the vibe into a heavy metal atmosphere with scorching guitars and pounding drums. This song is incredibly dynamic, switching from light and sweet to heavy and gritty in a split second, and we're locked in for the ride.
Reaching the album's fourth track, "Delusions," we're met with a cinematic piano melody alongside a striking string section for a more organic, emotional edge. While James' soothing vocals only appear almost two minutes in, he perfectly sends listeners into a comforting lullaby alongside the smoothest instrumentals. It's an emotional song packed with the fear of delusions and how they alter our view of reality, leaving listeners with something to think about.
In track number five, "Fanatics," we're met with another shorter song, but one that feels like a raw expression of pent-up emotions. While the track kicks off with a bright and beaming guitar riff alongside rumbling drums, James' composed and animated vocals gradually build into this animalistic, primal, and angsty scream that unleashes everything he's been holding in. It's one minute and forty seconds of pure, unrivaled musical therapy.
In the 24-second "Interlude," on track six, we hear what sounds like an introduction at a show, introducing listeners to the musical stylings of the virgin, SLAM. But, in his own words, although he's still a virgin, "I'm still heterosexual," adding a dash of humor and personality to the record.
That leads us to the last bunch of tracks, with song seven, "Wizard Possession," opening with insatiable energy and a tight-knit groove. It's a major throwback into the late 80s rock scene with high-tempo drums, crunchy guitar riffs, and James' chant-worthy vocals that summon all the energy and power possible. It's a truly exciting track that leaves us banging our heads and locked into Lamposts' fiery performance, closing the song with a bang.
Moving onto the album's eighth track, Lamposts leads us to "War" with a deeply introspective, thought-provoking listening experience. While the battle drums rumble through the speakers, James' hazy vocals follow while cautioning listeners about the forthcoming brutality and violence. It's a chilling song that's slightly eerie and deeply engaging, prompting the listener's fight or flight mode and preparing them for the battle of their lives.
Reaching track nine, "The Hawk," Lamposts opens the song on a dreary, melancholy note infused with the reflective, mysterious elements of quality alternative music. It's a solemn lullaby for the lonely wanderer that gradually expands in grit and emotion to up the ominous vibes. This low-groaning instrumental forces the listener into a deep, aching experience with heavy-hearted tones that infuse the song with a certain moodiness, one that's truly irresistible.
All is said and done on the album's tenth and final track, "Somehow," calmly opening with James' reverbed vocals and a thick baseline oozing with anticipation for what's to come. It's another ominous and mysterious track that lets listeners find their meaning, thanks to its darker mood and heavy emotion.
Lamposts gradually expands the song toward the outro, closing it with the addition of sci-fi-like synths for a dash of modernity, perhaps hinting at a post-apocalyptic future that's not so far away.
Overall, Lamposts provided an epic listening experience in the new 10-track album, Don't Follow. It's a diverse, dynamic record that'll keep you on the edge of your seat with each transition. Find the new album by Lamposts on all digital streaming platforms.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Lamposts, and congratulations on your new album ‘Don't Follow.’ What experiences or themes inspired you to create this unique project?
Primarily being 26. Then I played in a band, lived with a bandmate, and made music with guys I didn’t know. All the while smoking a whole lot of weed, drinking, and being irresponsible with my mental health.
How is Don't Follow different from your previous albums? What makes this project stand out?
It’s different because it is born mostly from ideas. “The Robe” contributed the rough sketches; later, I made them comprehensive. Some of these songs had never been played.
Which song from Don't Follow is your personal favorite and why? What do you enjoy most about it?
“To Armageddon”. It’s nice to be intimate, but it doesn’t work if the words are not close to your heart. That song is.
Could you explain the significance of the last three songs on Don't Follow? In your words, how do "War," "The Hawk," and "Somehow" close the album?
“War” was born from reading about armed conflict, specifically the World Wars, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm. Also focuses on figureheads like Hitler and Ghengis Khan. Reading violent/visceral material, trying to comprehend why anyone would want to act that way.
“The Hawk” is about the brutality of the natural world; and how human civilization compares to the savagery of the wild kingdom.
“Somehow” was a jam the drummer and I played once, one afternoon, years before the recording. Remembering how we connected innocently and wanting to preserve that.
What was your goal regarding the listener's experience with Don't Follow? What did you want listeners to take away?
I had no intent whatsoever, but if you want simplification, I wanted to be famous through “The Robe.” Unfortunately, I could not reconcile between writing something for money and writing something for integrity. I suppose it toes that line without being conscious of it.