Reviewed by Andy Shaw

Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Jeremy James Whitaker recently signed with the EDM label DRÖM and this is his debut album. It was at IHOP's Forerunner Music Academy that the 22 year old started to think seriously of music as a career. 'Broken Hearts' opens with the instrumental "Hope Together" starting with the sound of rain and building up the layers first with atmospheric keys and then droning synth line crescendoing before dropping to waves of synth strings. This sets the tone for the record which focuses more on creating a soothing, reflective and at times dreamy atmosphere than the big hooks and heavy drops that many associate with EDM. However there are some upbeat tracks. "Stronger Than Me" offers a driving beat and huge sound to contrast with the gentle washing synths and strings. Much of the music here would be best heard in a church soaking session though I found myself zoning out through extended repetition with a sense of being stuck in a loop rather than being taken on a journey. It is a skill to be able to capture the attention of the listener and take them with you and there are some triumphs with "What I Need" flowing from rising atmospheric strings to delicate keys to soft break beat sections that keep you hooked in. There are other influences at play as well with the gospel-tinged keyboard line on "Chat" another highlight. As a first record this is a reasonable piece of work though more creative invention is needed if Joe Public is to connect with Jeremy's take on ambient worship.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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