10. January 2025
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Media Review

Early James – Medium Raw

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

Early James - Medium Raw

Early James - Medium Raw
4

Rating

 4.0/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Good songs, especially for live envorinment

Flyctory.com Cons

  • Some songs a bit too lenghthy

Early James has attracted his German fans with a tour in late 2024. On 10th January 2025, they are finally able to listen to his songs on records and streaming platforms. The US-American Americana artist is sharing his album Medium Raw on that day – his third overall. Here is my review.

 

Early James – About The Artist

Fredrick James Mullins Jr, artist name Early James, was born on 2nd June 1993 in Troy in Alabama. He grew up there and moved to Birmingham, Alabama, at the age of 21. His music is a blending of different Americana genres, from alternative country to folk, blues and rock music. In March 2020, he released his debut album Singing for My Supper. In 2022, he added his sophomore record, Strange To Be Alive.

Early James – Medium Raw – Track by Track

The twelve song album lasts 47 minutes.

1. Beauty Queen

I would describe the first half of Beauty Queen as a very reduced blues track. There is groove driven by the acoustic guitar, but the main focus is on the instrument as well as on the artist’s voice. Thereafter, there are some shorter break-outs. Overall, the monotony of the song forces you to focus on the lyrics and story of the show. The five minute song feels a bit of lengthy, though.

2. Dig To China

Did I just complain about a lengthy five minute track? Early James presents Dig To China as the second song of his 2025 album – and makes it last almost seven minute. The song is more present in regards of his blues elements and also develops a nice melody. However, this one rather feels to be related to some rock genres. There is always something happening in this song, which leads to a rather entertaining listen.

3. Go Down Swinging

Go Down Swinging is “just” a three minute listen, but it comes with a really nice dramatic plot. Early James puts different elements together – and it magically feels to work out.

4. Gravy Train

This train ride is definitely a special one – I guess that only very few artists ever have sung about a gravy train. Due to its chord sequence in the background, the song feels rather fast. This majorly relates to the instrumental part, the vocals are rather in the mid-tempo range. Nonetheless, I appreciate the strong flavor of country music in here.

5. I Could Just Die Right Now

I Could Just Die Right Now is a singer-songwriter-alike song. Of course, Early James adds a special twist to it. The song feels like being recorded straight from his heart – lyrics like This ain’t supposed to be a sad song underline that touch. A nice and groovy listen.

6. I Got This Problem

And then, Early James surprises with this blues rocker. I Got This Problem is a nostalgic, but rather straight song of this kind. The very accentuated instrumental play still leads to a special touch while listening.

7. Nothing Surprises Me Anymore

The seventh track of Medium Raw is named Nothing Surprises Me Anymore. And, indeed, this song should not surprise you any more. The song comes with sudden speed changes, suddenly popping up angry vocals. I feel that this song may be impressing as a live on stage listen. As a studio recording, it feels a bit too harsh to me.

8. Rag Doll

The Rag Doll presents an alternative Americana rocker. Compared to other Medium Raw songs, this song feels rather straight and does not need to many breaks. Nonetheless, there is a nice level of virtuosity in this one.

9. Steely Knives

The ninth song is a nicely, fast-marching Americana track, in which Early James makes use of scattered very intense vocal passages. Similar to song before I feel that this type of music is rather a good choice to be on stage than bring in a studio.

10. Tinfoil Hat

In the tenth track, the guitars are rocking more intense again. I feel that leads to a nice contrast, especially after some thoughtful listens. However, the 5:28 minute musical trip feels lasting a bit too long.

11. Unspeakable Thing

I really like the atmosphere spread by Unspeakable Thing. The song has a very mysterious touch and especially works well with its sheer endlessly repeating guitar line. One of my favorite songs of the album.

12. Upside Down Umbrella

Early James closes this album with Upside Down Umbrella. Like out of nowhere, the artist suddenly presents some new ideas here and then. The song does have some character, but some tracks before feel to be stronger in that regard.

 

Early James – Medium Raw – Spotify

Here is the album on Spotify:

 

Early James – Medium Raw – My View

Putting Early James on an album feels a bit like putting a tiger in very mich too small cage. These song are made for the stage. Maybe not for the huge ones, but for a small intimate bar stage.

Favorite Song: Unspeakable Thing

 

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