J.H. Sitton is a man of many voices. His album, Losing Kind, Losing One explores a wide range of musical influence. But whether a song is reminiscent of Bob Dylan or Kurt Cobain, they are clearly creations of J.H. Sitton.
The album has a lo-fi sound in both production and style. Their is a hiss on some tracks that add texture, and the music can occasionally swells up like it could not escape the garage walls.
The first track introduces Sitton, his guitar, and nothing else. The short minute twelve second track is a carefully planned that is emotional, sparse, and tricks you too what lies ahead in the album.
The following track has a Beatles rhythm, a sloppy harmonica, and an anthem chorus. Sitton is joined with the sound of a full band and sounds like it was recorded in front of a group of friends.
On “American Revolution,” Sitton sings like an inspired Lou Reed. The vocal are a little off time, in a poetic way, that gives focus to the lyrics. And like all of Sittons lyrics, they are beautiful and melancholy.
Sitton’s playing is both traditional, and experimental. He can play a straight folk song, and hold your attention with just his guitar and his voice. He can also jump wildly with tortured electric playing that may end in smashed drum sets and inflamed guitars.
J.H. Sitton is a versatile musician and his album Losing One, Losing Kind explores many, if not all of his facets. Whether a song is inspired by Cobain, CCR, Dylan, or the Velvet Underground, whether he is playing in crowded garage, or the back porch in Oklahoma, whether he urges you to sing, or begs you to listen, Sitton consistently brings his unique voice which is both apocalyptic, and sadly hopeful.
