MUSIC REVIEW: Mike Isberto, More In Love

It’s no surprise that when you’ve won awards like the coveted Kollaboration Acoustic Event at the John Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood, or been featured in magazines like LA Live, that you’re comfortable in your realm of Acoustic/Folk/Singer/Songwriter. It’s also no surprise that when you check into a recording studio with names such as Mikal Blue—(Colbie Caillat, I Hate Kate and Fleetwood Mac), that you create something supremely smooth and flawless in production value, as Mike Isberto has done on his fourth studio album release, More In Love. What is surprising though, is how unforced and at ease the record sounds. On this record, he evolves from a pleasant Singer/Songwriter talent to an inspiring ambassador of the West Coast feel good vibe that is uniquely Californian. If today’s music could be measured in ideas instead of minutes, then Mike Isberto and company have done a mesmerizing job in a mere 33 (plus) of them.

I’m going to digress for just a moment, for a personal note. I’m a huge fan of the direction John Mayer is currently taking in his career. Last year’s American Made, was by far, my favorite work of his to date. I mention this, because if you dig that sound, then Isberto will not disappoint. His is a seventies-style Harvest like sensibility that will sweep you away, with incredible depth of emotion packed into every track, cementing him as a true storyteller.

Three hot tracks are the title/opening True North, which is layered in an understated optimism both musically and lyrically; the more upbeat Highway 1 and the hauntingly pensive and moody Lullaby Rain. It is perhaps in these three songs, that Isberto most clearly displays his ability to cover a canvas of emotions, stories and feelings, taking us on a gorgeous ride of what indie music and spirit can—(and should) be about.

The addition of the Cello, Mandolin and Banjo, cannot be overlooked. These instruments in the hands of those who master them, can add surprising layers of intelligence and sensitivity to the music. Kudos to Jordan De Guzman, Jason Silber and Ariana Anugorah for being, simply; masterful. The voice of Isberto himself is familiar and magical; comfortable like a big, warm hug. Wrought with passion, it’s easy to feel the upheaval in his heart, as he plummets into the brutal highs and lows of life. We want to be there with him on every note and every step.

It was Leonardo DaVinci who said; ‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’. On More In Love, Isberto and his musical crew, with their combined talents, have given us seven songs, that sound like all-time classics. By doing so, they have done the world of indie music proud.

#Turntable