Rock/Review James Percival - Curtains Closed
James Percival, a talented artist hailing from Birmingham, England, is Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Lewis Capaldi, Fontaines D.C., and Tigran Hamasyan, James weaves a musical tapestry that pushes boundaries and delves into deep emotional territories. His music is a fusion of indie pop, alternative rock, and soft, therapeutic jazz, ensuring a unique and powerful listening experience for fans of all genres.
“Curtains Closed” by James Percival is an uncommon and moving concept EP that dares to reveal the soul. Percival takes listeners on a personal journey through loss, grief, and the challenging process of recovery with breathtaking emotional depth and sensitivity. Motivated by his sister's struggle with long-term health conditions, the EP creates an emotional landscape that is both personal and universal.
A sense of reflection is evident from the first song. Each song is framed by delicate arrangements and layered instrumentation that provide a sound mirror to the narrative's emotional highs and lows. With its lyrical depth and painful simplicity, the title tune, "Curtains Closed," stands out as it powerfully and subtly captures that moment of emotional finality. "Disembodied," on the other hand, delves farther into experimental terrain by examining the dissociative elements of mourning through ambient soundscapes and fragmented rhythms.
Percival's greatest talent is his ability to strike a balance between emotional honesty and musical complexity. His melodies are erratic yet emotionally rooted, and his vocals are reserved yet expressive. Everything seems natural and purposeful; nothing is rushed or wasted.
“Curtains Closed” gently leads the listener through suffering toward a brittle form of calm rather than wallowing in grief. It's a transforming, cathartic listen that invites you to pause, feel profoundly, and perhaps start your own introspection journey. James Percival delivers something much more timeless in an era when so much music seeks to divert: presence.