Universe Narrows

Universe Narrows

There’s nothing cooler than starting a band with your father. Especially when the songs you write together might be best appreciated after the consumption of mind-altering substances. That’s what retired teacher JJ and son Mark O’Connor do as they lead you down a melodically flower-strewn path with their LP “Universe Narrows”. With intelligent lyrics that inspire images of tulip fields and friendly gorillas, this pop/folk album is the perfect accompaniment to the advent of summer and the lazy days that come with it. The soulful chords and tuneful rhythms layer perfectly against JJ’s charming and occasionally doleful voice that speaks to a world of experience.

Universe Narrows has a sound reminiscent of Johnny Cash and Tom Petty combined with a melodic gesture that conjures the spirits of the Grateful Dead and perhaps even a little Velvet Underground at times. Gentle strumming and catchy harmony make songs like “Guy” (yes, a song about a gorilla at the zoo) thoroughly endearing and pleasant to listen to, especially while on your porch after a long day of hard work. The vivid existentialism of their lyrics resonates strongly in the song “In My Mind” where they sing “Don't leave me all alone in this too sane reality/a vision still entrances me /like a skewed notion that you can't replace.” The themes of their collaboration span from whimsical observation to weighty rumination, but overall the album leaves you with a consistently positive appreciation for the beauty of the world around you. “Universe Narrows” is truly a delightful and uplifting smattering of tunes that brings you back home when it seems that things around you may be falling apart. Enjoy with a shot of something or other. (Simona Supekar)