It seems every few decades, the sounds of older bands resurface in a new light. The reason that complex – kids who grew up listening to their parents’ favorite classics or even just the artist active during their foundational years finally arrive at a point where they’ve developed enough musical aptitude to put a twist on the styles they loved growing up. They borrow and expand on their inspirations.
One listen to James Koan III’s debut album, Time, feels like a time machine, no pun intended. Koan clearly borrows from a number of styles, including bombastic prog rock, thoughtful folk, and even a touch of hip-hop. But what ultimately rises to the surfaces is the flavor of turn-of-the century alt-rock. Koan draws comparisons to Switchfoot, RHCP, Reliant K, The Fray, and more. Even though his songs lean toward the subdued side at tims, there’s a clear creative pulse, from “The Beginning” and its cinematic account of the first pages of Genesis to “New Chapter” and its muted chord pop punk vibe. Then there’s the piano-based “Overthinker” which has yet to see a full release. Koan leans as much into personal experience (from moving across the country to trying to outgrow old habits to managing anxiety) as he does the words of the Bible. Indeed, “You Are There” pulls heavily from the Psalms.
Time is an album in the truest sense, telling the meta-narrative of all creation while interweaving Koan’s ruminations of his own life as a small piece of it all. It’s thoughtful and well-done, yet there’s a holistic look at life, complete with thoughtful wordplay, captivating arrangements, and sing-along choruses.
One particular highlight is “The Radiance,” a song which unapologetically describes the otherness of God and His command of all creation. Listen below and follow James Koan III on social media.