Curve of Earth
The beautifully dark country-Americana and vivid lyricism on Curve of Earth is a fitting introduction to songwriter Sam Swinson's autobiographical journey through indoctrination and addiction; an endlessly inviting confession from his past battles with substance abuse, and the religious demons lingering from his upbringing in a fundamentalist evangelical cult. Ohtis originally formed when Swinson and co-founder Adam Pressley were sophomores at high school in Normal, Illinois. They self-released their first material on small run CD-Rs while still teenagers, primarily to a local audience. Their partnership has defined Ohtis, accompanied by a revolving cast of local musicians joining the live act over the years, including re-joining mainstay member and multi-instrumentalist Nate Hahn. At times unbearably sparse, at others lush, Curve of Earth is a brutal yet alluring creative achievement. “The songs happen spontaneously,” Sam explains. “I like to do it that way. The songs have been around for so long, and they weren’t intended to be on a record, but they kind of seemed to follow my life as it was happening. All those songs felt like they would fit with each other on an album.” The links that run through Ohtis’ songwriting reflect the bonds in the project itself; driven apart by addiction, they were pulled together by music, made stronger by their experiences. “Adam is like a brother to me,” insists the singer. “We’ve been through a lot together. And Nate too. He’s been through equally as much, he’s been playing with us for a really long time, and he was right in the thick of the worst of it. We’ve all been through a lot together.” The links that run through Ohtis’ songwriting reflect the bonds in the project itself; driven apart by addiction, they were pulled together by music, made stronger by their experiences. “Adam is like a brother to me,” insists the singer. “We’ve been through a lot together. And Nate too. He’s been through equally as much, he’s been playing with us for a really long time, and he was right in the thick of the worst of it. We’ve all been through a lot together.” This weight of experience is what gives Curve of Earth its incredible power. Beguiling, entrancing, yet unrelentingly honest, it maintains a powerful hold on the listener long after the final note fades. “I would hope it’s helpful for people,” Sam states. “The conversation about addiction, it’s like any other mental illness society tends to sweep under the rug. Talking openly about it allows people who haven’t been exposed to recovery at all, who are still afraid and in denial and worried about the stigma, to transcend the shame keeping us sick.” Curve of Earth is a beautiful, shocking, deeply emotional experience, informed by Sam’s issues but finding hope in the bleakest moments. “It feels like a long time coming,” he says. “We’re ready.”
15 years in the making, this darkly delicious alt-country album tackles addiction and regret with breathtaking clarity
While Curve of Earths eight songs revolve largely, if not solely, around vocalist Sam Swinson and his personal struggles, he makes a valiant effort to address his crippling guilt, the strength it takes to overcome and correct, and even his ability to process and maintain a healthy idea of what religion is and can offer those who seek it.
While Curve of Earth comes advertised as the official debut album of indie country-rock trio Ohtis, it follows a handful of D.I.Y. releases from the band during the 2000s while they were still based in their hometown of Normal, Illinois.