SECRET AMERICAN – ARTIST SHOWCASE & SINGLE REVIEW

 

AMP is running two for two. A few days ago we reviewed Fried Dough for a second time. Today we are revisiting Secret American. Secret American is the creative outlet for singer/songwriter Derek Krzywicki and producer/engineer Todd Mecaughey. Last year the two were kind enough to give AMP an extensive interview on life and the release of their superb album, Warmth & Shelter.

In anticipation of their upcoming full length release, Secret American is out with three new singles. “Here Comes A Man” , “Heavy Feels” and “Lonely”  continues the strong songwriting we experienced on Warmth & Shelter.

Released last year, “Lonely” is a beautiful piece of music laced with infectious hooks and retro guitar. In “Lonely”,  Secret American‘s trademark sound of laid back grooves and amazing choruses is quite evident. Krzywicki and Mecaughhey know how to write a song. The tune has a warm fuzzy feel with heartfelt harmonies but lyrically there are serious relationship overtones. Krzywicki croons, “If you want to be like me you better be lonely“. Romantic issues never sounded so sublime. On “Lonely”, the Secret American musicianship is elegant. The duo knows how to surround themselves with like minded musicians who can play. Every notes fits perfectly.

“Heavy Feels” continues the solid Secret American songwriting. The song, released in March, has a Californian sun drenched vibe. The song deposits your spirit by a beach or backyard pool with a glass of Cabernet catching a spectacular sunset. The slow drawl cadence hypnotizes you with a sturdy back beat and Derek’s dreamlike vocals. Again, the harmonies carries the day. Also the twangy guitar adds a very distinct flavor. The entire song is contagious.

The newly released “Here Comes A Man” completes the trifecta. The song has a anxious feel with its ominous fuzzy guitar and deep ended bass. According to Secret American, “Here Comes A Man is a song about sexual tension, seduction, and release“.  Secret American embeds that tension right into the fabric of the tune. The whole ambiance of “Here Comes A Man’ is steeped in nervous energy.

But the man right next to ya

Who is that man

Is he making you happy?

Doesn’t look like he can

So I’m a walk right to ya

Gonna pass that man 

My eyes wide open

Here comes a man

The song is a departure to the bright and uplifting quality usually associated with Secret American. Even though it exposes a different aspect of the band, the song still fits in the band’s wheel well. As usual, it’s well written and topical, “Here Comes A Man” is another concrete Secret American number.

Based on the strength of these three songs, it will be a promising day when Secret American finally drops their sophomore effort.

Secret American live

• Derek Krzywicki
• Todd Mecaughey
• Kevin Killen
• Katie Frank
• Tony Unander
• Alex Baranowski
• Rory Geoghegan

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