Jonah Leatherman
Musician and singer-writer Jonah Leatherman is based out of the larger City of Fort Wayne, IN. His highly anticipated sophomore album, Ensuring My Uncertainty has just been released. There’s a lot going on on this album. To the pitch perfect guitars to the Leatherman’s happening vocal harmonies and the great energy, everything comes together to great effect. In his bio notes, he says he especially pays attention to craft and it’s this attention to detail that stands out. Leatherman is a fan of Kurt Vonnegut, Virginia Woolf and George Saunders and his love for the literary arts oftentimes crosses over into his recordings. While the written word is important to Leatherman, what he strives for is his story. And his tracks are definitely over brimming with story as they talk about everything under the sun.
Ensuring My Uncertainty begins with “Overlap,” where some melodic guitar riffs come into this recording. The sound was sauntering and offered up a great indie rock vibe. Once Leatherman’s breathy vocals arrived, they sounded really good. The music soon swells for a crescendo of sound. For some reason, I was reminded of ‘80s music here. The guitars sounded really great here. A sauntering sound comes through “Whatever Happened.” Leatherman’s vocals are loud and clear here, packed with high-tail emotionality. This was definitely a powerful release. Loving the moody vibes of this track. It made for a great sound. Some hazy guitars get realized at the start of “Clairvoyance.” Next, the dreamy strands of music come in for a very atmospheric vibe. The ambience continued for a while and I definitely felt carried away by the ebb and flow of the sounds.
Some finger-picking on the guitars sound out on “Panoply” as well as a sauntering drumming beat. The sounds coalesce for a while, and eventually, Leatherman’s vocals arrive. Leatherman once more sings with feeling here. This proved to be a somber song, filled with a distinctive melancholy vibe. The combined vocal harmonies really worked out on “My Punishment.” The vocals are sung over a bed of synths and the soothing and peaceful feel of this recording felt very ear-pleasing. I was instantly reminded of a lullaby. Next, some guitars enter the sound. The music felt very soft and beguiling. This was something perfect to relax to. Some spirited instrumentals come through “It’s Only Me & You.” It made for a vibrant and bright sound. Next, Leatherman’s melodic vocals come in for an invigorating sound. Loving the energy here. This reminded me of rock music from the ‘60s and ‘70s. There was something very classic about this song.
On “Anything About It,” some percolating beats arrive at the start of this song. Next, a wall of guitars enters the vibes. The sound was very smooth and soothing. Loving the soft yet redolent sounds here. It definitely made for a great listen. Toward “Emergence(y),” some sunny sounds come from the guitars and percussion. The music was very light and blithe. I loved how airy and fresh the sounds were here. The upbeat music continues once Leatherman’s vocals arrive. This was another great track from the artist. Some acoustic guitars arrive for a moving display of sounds on “Victory Lap.” Loving the acoustic vibes of this song. This proved to be an emotionally powerful ending to what was a great album!
I enjoyed this album which had a great indie rock and classic rock sound. Leatherman doesn’t compromise on his sound here. His genuineness and sincerity shine here and it’s his honest storytelling that really stands out to me. From beginning to end, this was worth exploring. Be sure you give this a spin today! You won’t regret it!