Chris Cummings and The Way – I’m Still Alive (Single Review)

I truly appreciate artists with a versatile background. The ability to traverse and understand multiple genres, besides relying on simply one genre, is a skill and a talent morphed into one. Such skills make it where we can expand upon our repertoire in the field of music, and recombine different skills as well as techniques to create fresh, new, and innovative combinations. In today’s review, we will explore one of these artists with this exact unique ability named Chris Cummings.

Chris Cummings is a multidisciplinarian-  he is a drummer, educator, songwriter, producer, and bandleader all in one based in Easton, Pennsylvania. He also has some well-known names in his history of collaborators, such as playing with jazz legends like Gene Perla and Bill Washer as well as Dave Goddess. This release marks his forage into producing as well as songwriting. It is part of an upcoming album under the eponymous moniker ‘Chris Cummings and The Way’, with plans for an accompanying documentary film featuring some well-known rock musicians associated with rock acts such as Alice Cooper and the late Robert Hazard.

Chris describes his upcoming release as “…a convergence of my Americana and rock and roll roots into a collection of relatable tunes for the times we live in.”. Two singles, ‘Dream’ and ‘I’m Still Alive’ are the pre-emptive singles for this release, the latter of which we will explore in this review today. Does the single live up to his self-description and creative vision? Let’s find out.

I have a problem with some of the vocals in the pre-chorus, as it detracts from the steadfastness of the initial tone of the vocal delivery, but it is quickly saved and detoured with a melange of stronger vocals in the chorus supplemented with harmonising background vocalists as well. I notice a pattern of intentionally mismatched harmony as well, which is oddly pleasing to the ears.

The best part of the song is the instrumentation. First of all, the arrangement is pretty decent and it is very well-mastered. None of the instruments sound out of place neither are they fighting for dominance. From an instrumental perspective, this is one of the better rock ‘n’ roll-influenced tracks out there. I like how the groove of the drum stays consistent throughout the song, almost going into a jazz sequence at some point in terms of the drum pattern. The bass has a dynamic role in the entire song as well, changing up its pattern from the pre-chorus to the chorus. The amount of guitars playing at the same time, in a synchronized pattern, gives the song the gusto it requires. The melodic solo from one of the acoustic guitars also provides this song with a very interesting instrumental variation. If I’m not wrong, there are instances of a clavichord or somewhat of an organ in the background of the song. It provides the song with more of a subtle nod to Americana without necessarily being overbearing. Quite apt!

I think this song would appeal to people who are a fan of Americana-influenced music that is relatable as well. It is a very well-produced song, and pretty straightforward in its delivery, without sounding instrumentally generic or predictable. It actually puts you through a journey while you listen to the track. Even for someone who doesn’t necessarily listen to this genre, I can hear how well done it is and recognise its quality. Once again, isn’t the beauty of music versatility to cross pass genre boundaries and have your art resonate with others?

All in all, I would recommend this track to anyone and everyone.

Score/Excellent: For the artistic intent it intended to portray, and the high production quality of this song, ‘I’m Still Alive’ delivers in all aspects of the song. There is only one minor issue with the song, but the excellent arrangement makes it where it is easy to overlook and busk in the glory of the rest of the song. A good Americana and rock ‘n’ roll inspired track!

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