Album Notes

"There are two excellent discs here, but it is on the more recent of the two (The Vallejo Demos) that the power of Bianchi's compelling songwriting becomes obvious; minus the interesting keyboard blips and distortion that decorate much of Eleven Demos By Adam Bianchi, Bianchi's arrestingly intimate storytelling technique is free to bask in the glow of its own gentle light. Situated somewhere near the unlikely intersection of Hank Williams and Elliot Smith, Bianchi comes off as a less-ambitious (but easily capable) challenger to a slot currently occupied by Damien Jurado; if he sticks to what he's been doing, the title is his for the taking."

8 Blips out of 10 (Growth Potential 9/10)

- Paul B. Sikes of Under The Radar


"Adam Bianchi's The Vallejo Demos includes "Requiem for John Fahey," a instrumental which poignantly emulates Fahey in his memory. Bianchi sings on the rest of the 8-track CD, yet his songs carry the spirit of Fahey's music - they draw on the ghosts of the past to create music that feels very alive today. The Vallejo Demos are possessed by memories of American folk musics past; it shows in the acoustic guitars, banjos and harmonicas Bianchi plays, but also in the how the lyrics echo gospel, blues and folk traditions. Yet these songs, recorded by Bianchi at his home last summer, don't come off like exercises in style or like trips down memory lane. Instead they're alive with real human stories and feelings. Love, loss, sadness, mortality...these are timeless themes that bridge generations, and in Bianchi's hands they're rendered powerfully. The Vallejo Demos is generally in the vein of musicians like Pale Horse and Rider and M. Ward, distinctly American artists who draw on the past for inspiration, but whose songs also bear the mark of their creators' distinct perspectives and personalities. The Vallejo Demos positively glows with atmosphere and feeling - the songs linger long after the last seconds have passed."

- Dave Heaton of ErasingClouds.com


"With a dusty cover you'd expect something of the Americana or roots rock level. Well you almost have it right. Adam Bianchi is every bit Middle America Plains rock-n-roll with a country twang just under the surface. His songs are riddled with sadness and reassure us that we're not alone in this great and mighty world of ours. Demos they may be, but important is right in the middle of everything."

- J-Sin of Smother.net


"I know that some reviewers can't help but cringe and prepare to think the worst when they receive a skinny CDR jewel case. But that's not the case with me. I've found that some of the best music we receive here at SoM comes in those skinny, handcrafted CDR packages. And the reverse is also often true...slick packaging sometimes = crap music. Anywho...a very happy ending was what I got when I grabbed Adam Bianchi's CDR, The Vallejo Demos.
It's folk, definitely folk, maybe, kinda. But there's nothing "already done" about it. This isn't syrupy, around the campfire, girl scouts and s'mores kinda stuff. It's warm, resonant, with dreamy vocals delivered via an enveloping, husky voice. I know I often mention the cheerful, boy next door kind of voice. This is different. It's the moody, little bit dark, but still likeable man next door this time. Far too mature and introspective to be labeled as a boy's voice.
The music is simple, strings driven, acoustic. It's warm, pleasant, and plays a stellar supporting role to the vocals which are the star of the show. It doesn't fade into obscurity by any means, but does a fantastic job of showcasing the star. They both deserve an award."

- CGG of SouthofMainstream.com