Maryland based David Arn has dazzled listeners around the world with the poetry of his song on three albums so far. His fourth release Watershed features eight songs bursting with deceptive simplicity and ultimately amounting to one of 2022’s most impressive musical and lyrical statements. The interpersonal focus of Arn’s writing will connect with countless listeners because he has the skill to marrying deft turns of language and imagery alongside a plain-spokenness that doesn’t deny listeners deeper meaning.
“Blood and Bone” is an outstanding opener. The acoustic thrust of Watershed doesn’t restrict its melodic potential as Arn shows newcomers and longtime fans alike his prowess on the instrument. The low-key proceedings focus listener’s attention on the lyrics and it is well worth it. The interweaving of declarative lines and imagery has an effortless progression that makes it seem as if the song sprung full-born from him rather than labored over.
The same naturalness pervades the title song as well. These are definitely intimate performances, you almost feel like Arn is in the room with you, but they are never too precious or overwhelming. Some listeners may accuse Arn of some willful obscurity, the influence of later Bob Dylan is strong throughout the album, but there’s a “story” in each of these tracks present for anyone paying attention.
There is a mix of blues and country acoustic guitar motifs scattered throughout the “The Only Truth I Know”. Other highlights include the occasional recurring lead breaks Arn takes on the acoustic guitar; they are condensed flourishes instead of extended fireworks and their color aids the song. Arn isn’t the sort of performer or songwriter who embraces meaningless tinsel. More of his acoustic guitar mastery is apparent with the album’s next track as well.
“Chain” doesn’t try to overwhelm anyone and glides along thanks to Arn’s fleet-fingered work around the fret board. It’s one of the album’s strongest moments and laden with functional imagery that Arn’s aged voice brings to life with sensitivity and intelligence. It’s one of the best examples yet of his guitar and the words striking a perfect balance. “We Seemed Like a Good Idea” is the sort of song that you think you know everything about going in because of the title. Arn delivers on those expectations, yes, but he goes even further. It is one of the album’s most emotionally affecting tracks.
“Remember the Ring” is another. He doesn’t do anything astonishingly different here but the chiming touches he pulls from his guitar are all the polish this small gem needs. It brings Watershed to the conclusion it deserves, thoughtful, poetic, and in full possession of his considerable artistic powers. It is not his first album, not even his second, but David Arn’s Watershed sounds as fresh as any debut release. The most amazing thing about it is that we may not even be hearing peak David Arn yet, but this is definitely close. It’s a cavalcade of lyrical and musical ingenuity that you are certain to appreciate.
Heather Savage