Though his myspace page may suggest otherwise, I would be lying if I told you that I wouldn’t describe Lexington, OH native Jonathan Hape as a “singer-songwriter.” Such labels can be very limiting, of course, so it is worth noting that the music on his third album, the recently released I’m Awake/I’m Asleep, transcends the often negative connotations of that tag.
A large part of what allows these 10 tracks to shine is that Hape composes them of a variety of different tones and textures. Some of the tunes sound like the usual guitar/bass/drums live band setup, while other employ electronic beats, and the occasional organ, flute, vibraphone, etc. make appearances. The result is tracks that are rather lush and dynamic. While most songs are slower, he does turn up the guitar-rockometer a few notches here and there. Hape guides the songs through these highs and lows with thought-provoking, heartfelt lyrics and his comfortably high-pitched voice. Highlights include the “Speak Words, Speak,” which rides a mellow electronic groove with layering of Hape’s voice until it hits a haunting breakdown where he repeats, “If I hear the righteous complain again, I’ll be the first to explain to them.” This leads into “I Will Probably Never Leave,” a more uptempo groove that turns into an almost raucous (alright, maybe not raucous) echoing singalong. “Blush,” possibly the rockinest track on the disc, leads nicely into the album’s lengthy mellow finale, “Swear Back.”
I’m Awake/I’m Asleep is a sturdy collection of rock tunes that probably lend themselves well to the stage. Hape has two shows in Columbus in the foreseeable future: Saturday, February 3rd, at the still-kickin’ Milo Elektric (617 E. 3rd Ave., Suite 102); and Monday, the 5th, at The Basement. Saturday’s show also features two performers of a similar ilk (and both also from the Mansfield area), Rob Allen and Matt Potts. Monday sees Hape opening for Christian rap star (and Columbus native) John Reuben before they head out on a two-month tour together.
Hape’s a cool dude with cool tunes. Everyone should listen to his cd’s!