Neon City Album Review

Johnny Bertram and the Golden Bicycles

With the heavy reliance on music production like auto tuning it’s rare you turn on the radio and aren’t embraced by the artificial, robotic, and processed sound of the plug in.  There’s something to be said for an artist who isn’t afraid of imperfection at the expense of true talent and emotion.  The very reason we listen to music is to hear passion expressed.  No matter your style or taste, we can all agree on the simple fact that if there’s no feeling behind the song then why listen at all?  Johnny Bertram and the Golden Bicycles sophomore album “Neon City” highlights the beauty of raw talent, passion and the keen skill of storytelling. 

Bertram showcases his unique tenor that is both clean and cuttingly unique.   While listening you feel as if you’re traveling along with Bertram and his crew breathing the fresh air as you explore the great American land.  The tracks let you travel across the states as they combine the rustic vibe of the Northwest with a Southern soul and richness.  No matter where you’re from you can appreciate the crisp sound and original lyrics. 

A couple tracks to note for their catchy beat and melody are “River” and “Miracle.”   Out just in time for the summer season, these tracks can be played poolside or cruising in a boat soaking up the sun as you sing along “oooh oooh“ to the “River.”  Or enjoy the fun beat of “Miracle” while calling your attention off yourself and onto the world around you when it sings “say there was a modern day miracle would you see it?” 

Neon City was recorded between April and May of 2011 at the North Midtown Arts Center in Jackson Mississippi.  All of the songs were recorded live in a large room with hard wood floors that is normally used as a performance space.  This space was the perfect fit because the clear natural sounds of the room delivered crisp and clean vibes on the tracks.  

Bertram wrote all of the songs on this album and his skills are comparable to other singer-songwriters like M. Ward, Jim, James, Ray Lamontagne, and Josh Ritter.  Neon City is a well-rounded collection of acoustic/folk and guitar rocking tracks.  “Out of the Darkness” and “Mistake” both show a moodier, deeper shade to the shiny nice beats on the rest of the album.   The growth of this album showcases the union Bertram has formed with his backing band for three years.  With this much quality music on one album, and growth in one year the future holds bright things for this special band. 

Johnny Bertram and the Golden Bicycles’ Neon City will be released April 24.