John Vento - Highwire
By Bethany Butterworth
Not only is John Vento’s newest release, Highwire, an unconventionally beautiful one, it is also incredibly emotionally poignant, with the ability to make the hairs on the back of any listener’s neck stand to attention.
John Vento - Highwire
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, John Vento is a man of many talents. Both the whimsical and dark solo artist, but also the charismatic, passionate frontman of other Pittsburgh bands, The Businessmen and the Nied’s Hotel Band, he is a rare talent. The music he releases under his own name, however, is not to be confused with solo work. Vento is adamant that none of his music would exist without his collaborators, such as his band and the people working to produce his material. Knowing this, it’s clear that work published under his own name has something that is distinctly John Vento; hauntingly real and raw.
The understated production of the single combines perfectly with Vento’s husky tone, creating a song that perfectly embodies both Vento’s Americana roots and the amalgamation of his inspirations. ‘Self-reflective’ is a word that comes to mind while listening to the lyrics, with Vento singing ‘the sands of time are so unkind’, before reciting the words ‘we both hurt but you own the pain, cold calculation runs through your veins, machine heart beats’.
The melody, while eerie and disconcerting, is hauntingly emotional when aligned with the words and certainly should incite some kind of feeling in anyone listening. Vento combines deep and borderline aggressive vocals with insightful lyrics, reflected also in Cherylann Hawk’s beautifully haunting harmonies, making the song a perfect balance of light and dark.
Highwire is available on streaming services now, and make sure you give John a follow on social media.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6kflm7RhdTOy1sVIzFcLSt
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/johnventomusic
Instagram: @jventom
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUGoFEvBQTlQq-j07Xluswg