Michael Novak isn’t giving up on his childhood dreams. Regardless of putting musical ambitions on hold for family and an extended recovery from the debilitating, bone-degrading Kienböck’s disease, Michael Novak is here to finally, and thankfully, create that music – to fulfill that promise made to his childhood self.
Excerpted from his first album, Permission To Speak, Michael presents “Used To Be” – a melodic vehicle expressing the tragic dissolution of his 30-year marriage, and an emotional salve for those needing a serious hug. Does “Used To Be” linger in the dark while unraveling the bonds of those wrapped in smothering shadow? Let’s talk about it.
Wait. Who does what?
I hate to say it, but I’m not 100% sure. Michael is the obvious writer, vocalist, and perhaps guitar player. He works with Mira Kehoe, Mike Michel, and Greg Schutte who are presumably additional musicians and/or studio personnel. Regardless of assigned tasks, they’re all on point.
Listening, and talking about it.
“Used To Be” starts with upbeat, staccato guitar strikes accompanied by a punchy, punk-ish drum beat. When the assertive strumming diminishes, Michael’s voice enters the ensemble; it’s higher with a delicate vibrato; it’s lighter than the gravelly gravity expressed by the muted, almost percussive electric guitar.
And the chorus? Absolutely uplifting. It’s Michael’s multi-tracked voice as collected catharsis, joined by – more like, emboldened by – melodic midrange guitar notes beaming with their own supportive hums.
The track builds energy; it lilts in places, but comes up swinging for a final, more potent chorus, and a tasteful final chord with Rush-like, end-signaling drum roll. Nice.
But is it good?
Oh, yes. And it succeeds in its mission: It resides in the darkness underneath while emerging, obviously scarred, with a brighter, broader, more resistant but sympathetic light. It’s the song of unrelenting energy, especially when one’s power flickers and wanes. If you like excellent and excellently recorded pop rock that comes from somewhere real – somewhere wounded but always emboldened to heal, you’ll LOVE “Used To Be” from Michael Novak. I know I certainly did.
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BELOW: Listen to Michael Novak and check him out on Bandcamp. Please support Michael by visiting him online and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
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