SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: AUSTIN JOHN – SURVIVE EACH OTHER

AUSTIN JOHN
SURVIVE EACH OTHER
INDEPENDENT

Austin John is based in Toronto and is really the brainchild of Todd Elsliger. Survive Each Other is the band’s fourth album and their first since 2020’s The Better Way back When. Austin John produces a very calm, slick sound. Songs like “Apples”, for example, have a very distinct 1970’s easy listening vibe that is lovely to hear today. His vocals are great and elsewhere on the album, when he sings with Shannon Butcher, it is pure magic. Listen to the horn arrangement in the song. It is perfect.

The album is very singer/songwriter style with a band. And throughout the album there are a number of moments that allow the listener to genuinely float with the music. “Stuck” is a beautiful McCartneyesque ballad that works on many levels. It has a strong melody, and the band was smart to have a simple, sparse arrangement. It flows throughout the song, but never overbearing. That sums up the album.

The album ends with the beautiful “You Make”, which features nice keyboard work as well as lovely, heartfelt lyrics. “We don’t need to talk,” sings Elsliger. He adds “but I’m happy to”. A beautiful sentiment set to a warm layered sound. Everything about the song works, and it really is the anchor of the album.

Survive Each Other is a charming album, full of strong songs. It is well produced and has a nice flow throughout with melodies and lyrics that step into the listener’s consciousness. It does take me back to a different time in music. It is simply a lovely album.

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