Review
"JAMIE," the debut album from Montell Fish, released in 2022, swings open the door to a deeply personal diary of depression, isolation, and heartbreak. Named after his ex-girlfriend and forming part of a trilogy exploring the seven stages of grief, it’s an evocative journey through the tumultuous terrain of lost love. Fish’s choice to write, record, and produce every strand of this project himself infuses it with an unfiltered, raw intimacy.
With 10 tracks that cradle his emotive vocals and minimalist guitar work, comparisons to Frank Ocean and Bon Iver naturally arise. In tracks like "Fall in Love with You," Fish’s mastery of contrast breathes life into the juxtaposition of haunting melodies and sorrowful lyrics. The album's spare, unadorned production mirrors the isolation Fish felt, making each note a reflection of his internal landscape. "JAMIE" is a poignant portrayal of vulnerability and beauty, a striking example of what happens when an artist bares his soul through his craft. - Harper
