Searching For Freedom

For an artist whose mix of acoustic folk and rootsy coastal sing-alongs cruises along seemingly without a care in the world, Ziggy Alberts’ fifth album tackles some weighty, complicated subjects. Written over a five-year period, searching for freedom is anchored in themes of environmental crisis (“together”), fear of alienation (“don’t get caught up”), and the pursuit of love (“heartbeat”)—the sense throughout is very much of an artist in search of more than just freedom. This lyrical quest for the answers to Life’s Big Questions is delivered via the singer-songwriter’s peaceful vocals and his dextrous acoustic guitar work, with occasional swells of piano and strings (“letting go”) adding sonic depth. It may be the perfect album for balmy, lazy evenings by the sea, but the substance here far outweighs the style.