ErickOscar is a songwriter and self-taught producer who has for more than 35 years played acoustic guitar in his church worship band; his album ‘Hold The Light’ incorporates elements of ballads, acoustic pop, gospel, and Latin music and includes songs in both English and Spanish, while the most striking theme of the record is the complex nature of looking after people through pain, affection, and separation.
The personal nature of the title track is evident right away. Composed for his wife, who has fibromyalgia, ‘Hold The Light’ features acoustic guitar and powerful vocals. There is genuine strength to the encouragement offered: a husband witnessing the person he loves going through difficulties during the day and turning that situation into a prayer. At the same time as the vocals develop the musical arrangement, the commitment remains at the heart of the song.
‘Guess I Clapped Loud Enough’ adopts a more gentle acoustic pop style, whereas ‘Let Me Tell You Now’ has a richer sound and greater emotional intensity.
Love, Faith, Resilience
-PurpleMistress
The way the chorus is built up introduces a helpful variation in intensity. Throughout these tracks the album provides several musical settings for tenderness, enabling both softer guitar sections and more prominent vocal moments to serve the same aim of fostering connection.
The album ‘It’s Over’ puts this idea into a more complicated light. It was inspired by a friend of ErickOscar’s wife having a toxic relationship and therefore presents the theme of separation in an album which starts out with a focus on marital devotion. Remaining with someone and then deciding to leave become different reactions to different situations. This kind of tension is what gives the album something to discuss in addition to its positive message.
The song ‘Abraza a Tus Amigos Esta Noche’ ends with slow guitar strums, steady drums, and a voice that becomes more intense. It is a pleasant way to conclude the record since, following illness and difficulties in relationships, it once again expresses affection towards the people we decide to keep close.
