Oliver James Brooks – ‘In A Little Long While’ [Album Review]

Toronto-based alt-folk/rock singer-songwriter Oliver James Brooks recently dropped his fourth studio album, In A Little Long While. Recorded, mixed, and mastered on vintage gear from the ’70s, the album reflects Brooks’ commitment to raw, organic sounds.

To bring the album to life, Brooks worked with a group of oh-so-talented friends, including Annie Rowlinson (bass), while multi-talented producer and drummer Jack Emblem provided the rhythmic backbone. Adding another layer to the album’s depth, Oliver’s brother-in-law, Nick Johnston, contributed his skills on the keyboards.

Brooks acknowledges, “This record would not have come together the way it did without the help of the individuals mentioned above – thanks, guys.”

Made up of 10 tracks, In A Little Long While opens with the title track, featuring a gently undulating melody full of soft, bluesy savors and misty resonance. Brooks’ haunting, breathy vocals imbue the lyrics with mysterious surfaces. Weeping licks infuse the solo section with oozing tones.

Highlights include “Yeah, That’s My Plan,” a Bob Dylan-like tune that drifts on darker coloration as Brooks whispers and murmurs in his delicious, wandering tones. Whereas, “On The Fence” rides a pushing rhythm topped by ghostly guitars, infusing the song with a magical, mystical moodiness.

Oliver James Brooks, photo by Kiyomi Burgin

With its charming, soft country-rock flavors, “How’s It Goin” glides forth on a galloping rhythm as luminous guitars inject the tune with nuanced calorific licks, adding hints of psychedelia. “Technologically Stoned” offers listeners sharper, more edgy hues, as if whetted on a grinding stone. The colors are brighter, a bit bigger, and contain tints of jazz distinctions.

“Right Place, Wrong Time” closes the album out and might be the best track of the ten because of its Dylan-esque feel and the clarity of Brooks’ vocals. His voice is still husky, but there’s a different energy to it on this track.

Inky in character, like pouring black oil into water, there’s a captivating murkiness to this album as well as an appealing allure to the throaty vocals of Oliver James Brooks.

In A Little Long While Track Listing:

1. In A Little Long While
2. Yeah, That’s My Plan
3. Carried Along
4. The Deeper You Go
5. On The Fence
6. The Lonely Man I See
7. How It’s Goin
8. Over Under On The Other
9. Technologically Stoned
10. Right Place, Wrong Time

Run Time: 36:43
Release Date: November 24, 2023
Record Label: Cedar Plank Records