Tom Ciurczak, a singer/songwriter based in Southern California, has established a unique presence in the music industry by combining lively rhythms, danceable tunes, and compelling storytelling in his lyrics. Drawing inspiration from iconic musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, and Steve Earle, Ciurczak has crafted a unique style that combines the harmonies of the Eagles with the guitar skills of Eric Clapton. Ciurczak was exposed to the intricacies of music from a young age while being raised by his professional musician father at the Military Academy of West Point. His background has greatly impacted his art, leading to a distinct style of Outlaw Rock that he actively promotes throughout Southern California.
Tom Ciurczak’s new album, “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up: Volume II”, released on June 14, 2024, via Ludlow TFC Records, is a compelling extension to his collection of music. This follow-up to the popular “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up: Volume I” explores further into the subjects of passion, love, challenges, humor, and the daily difficulties that shape the human condition. The album includes eight vibrant songs, each providing a distinct and engaging audio journey. Ciurczak’s emotional singing, combined with his acoustic guitar, serves as the foundation of the album.
A skilled group of musicians, such as Harrison Crenshaw, Jayme Palmer, Matt Hornbeck, Travis Carlton, Aaron Durr, Steven Haaker, and Matt Lomeo, joined him on this album The joint effort of these artists produces a detailed and diverse soundscape that elevates Ciurczak’s narrative. “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up: Volume II” was recorded at Perfect Sound Studios in LA and has top-notch production quality thanks to Brett Grossman and Stephen Haaker who handled mastering, production, and engineering for the album. Every song is carefully made, displaying finely tuned instrumentation that enhances Ciurczak’s storytelling approach.
I Ain’t Ever Growing Up: Volume II Album Track List:
Small Town Girls:
The first song on Tom Ciurczak’s album “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up: Volume II,” titled “Small Town Girls,” establishes the record’s vibe with its catchy beat and sentimental storytelling. This song captures the listener’s interest right away, with its catchy rhythmic music, establishing a positive and energizing mood. The lively nature of the track captivates you, ensuring an exciting musical experience right from the start.
The song tells the tale of falling in love with a girl from a small town, detailing the different moments and experiences they have together in their relationship. The lyrics are filled with a sense of longing, creating detailed images of bygone memories and the feelings associated with them. Ciurczak’s voice is ideal for this story, filled with nostalgia and emotion, allowing the listener to deeply connect with the feelings expressed in the lyrics. His emotional and engaging manner enhances the narrative, drawing the audience into the adventure.
From an instrumental standpoint, “Small Town Girls” shines with its catchy, upbeat atmosphere. The catchy beat encourages audience to dance and shimmy to the music. The happy and energetic sound of the music creates an atmosphere that amplifies the song’s sentimental and emotional story. The blend of powerful lyrics, emotional singing, and captivating music in “Small Town Girls” makes it a remarkable song that not only introduces the rest of the album but also makes a lasting impact on its own.
Lie To Me:
“Lie To Me,” the third song on Tom Ciurczak’s album “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up: Volume II,” explores a poignant landscape that distinguishes it right away. From the beginning, the tranquil yet rhythmic musical composition creates a thoughtful and calm mood, all while keeping a level of tension. This delicate equilibrium is accomplished by skillfully utilizing instruments in a way that is calming yet captivating.
At 15 seconds, the vocals smoothly mix with the music in the background. Ciurczak’s soft demeanor complements the vibe of the music, heightening the emotional intensity of the song. The song’s lyrics detail a relationship encountering major hurdles and difficulties, causing the partners to appear to be growing apart. The story is shared honestly, evoking a strong emotional response that highlights the difficulties within the relationship.
The music in “Lie To Me” is expertly designed to complement the song’s theme. The complex arrangement and performance of both the singing and music capture the emotional core of the story. The emotional singing, paired with the mellow but powerful music, forms a song rich in feeling. The intense emotional atmosphere of “Lie To Me” sets it apart as a standout track on the album, highlighting Ciurczak’s skill in expressing deep emotions through his music.
Not My Problem:
The fifth song on Tom Ciurczak’s album “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up: Volume II”, titled “Not My Problem”, quickly grabs listeners’ attention with its lively and rhythmic bass guitar. Right from the start, this song captivates listeners with its contagious energy, making it stand out as an engaging piece of music. The memorable backdrop, created by the catchy guitars and drums, is dynamic and compelling.
The vocals in “Not My Problem” perfectly complement the lively energy of the instrumentation with an equally captivating and catchy tone. Ciurczak confidently and carefreely delivers the lyrics, capturing the essence of the song perfectly. The song’s story is centered on a ‘not my problem’ attitude, featuring lyrics that express a blatant disregard for others’ situations. This confident attitude is expressed with humor and daring, which makes the song engaging and enjoyable.
Instrumentally, “Not My Problem” stands out for its infectious and varied groove. The catchy bass guitar, along with memorable guitar riffs and lively drumming, infuses the song with an irresistible rhythm. The contagious rhythm of the music keeps the audience engaged throughout, establishing “Not My Problem” as a standout track on the album. The catchy beats and captivating singing on the track result in a memorable listening experience that leaves a lasting impact.
War Of The Worlds:
“War Of The Worlds” is the last track on Tom Ciurczak’s album “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up: Volume II” and provides a powerful ending to the musical journey showcased on the album. The song starts with a slow, rhythmic instrumental intro that establishes a reflective mood right away. Ciurczak’s soothing singing begins at the 17-second point, effortlessly mixing with the music to form a harmonious combination of sound.
An important scene in the “War Of The Worlds” happens at the 1:55-minute point, when a woman’s voice briefly replaces the main vocals, bringing a new layer of emotion to the music. Her emotional voice contrasts Ciurczak’s vocals effectively, producing a rich and evocative musical experience. Even with the change in singers, the song maintains its consistent storyline, delving into the themes of love and discovering a companion willing to travel to the farthest corners of the world by your side.
The emotional singing and carefully arranged music add to the captivating nature of the song, making it a suitable finale for the album. The strategic arrangement of the musical instruments intensifies the emotional resonance of the lyrics, enabling listeners to completely engage in the narrative. “War Of The Worlds” showcases Ciurczak’s talent for conveying emotional narratives through music, making a powerful impact as the concluding track on “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up: Volume II”.
Fans will be captivated by the album’s skill in capturing the heartland rock essence. Tracks are filled with genuine emotion and an authentic energy that deeply connects with the listener. Ciurczak’s music is available in CD and digital formats, allowing fans to enjoy it on different platforms. You can find physical CDs on his official website, Bandcamp, and at his live shows, where he brings the album’s stories to life with his dynamic performances.
“I Ain’t Ever Growing Up: Volume II” stands as a testament to Tom Ciurczak’s dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences through relatable, compelling music. For fans of Outlaw Rock and heartfelt storytelling, this album is a must-listen. Be sure to check it out on your preferred streaming platform or catch Ciurczak live to experience his music firsthand.
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