I had the absolute pleasure of seeing solo artist Front Porch Step live and acoustic, opening up for Transit, on the Acoustic Basement Tour. Jake Mcelfresh, an Ohio native, stepped on stage, got his guitar, and was instantly intriguing. He had a lot of personality, and was confident and charming. As if it wasn’t enough that I found his demeanor wonderful, his music was even more impressive.
His song “Aware” is stunning. His heartbreaking lyrics made me want to burst out crying, and his powerful and gut wrenching voice was a twisting knife I couldn’t get enough of. “You say you want me for a friend. I hope you know I hate that sound. But I will bite my tongue because I hate when you’re pissed off. But you should know I need your touch like falling rain on thirsty crops.” His words are so harsh and honest, but the line that really got to me was, “Well I hate your cigarettes and the men that you go see because one is killing you, while the other’s killing me. But I know that you’ll stay stubborn because you know I’ll stay alone.” This man’s a poet, and reminds me of a folkier Conor Oberst with a stronger voice, and it’s fantastic.
“Angels and Demons” was absolutely chilling. His gritty and dynamic voice filled the room, and my eyes were locked on him. His passion was overwhelming, and he had such a strong presence. The last words of the song haunted me- “God cuffed the devil ’cause he had my soul. Cut off his hands and claimed he stole. The devil sat there bleeding and crying, all confused. ‘Cause when I signed that paper to give him his share. Me and Mr. Lucifer were both unaware that the soul that I sold him had long belonged to you.”
Front Porch Step is painfully raw and genuine, forcing you to delve deep into yourself, no matter how much it hurts. It draws out self-reflection and really makes you think.