Carl Kammeyer emerges as a gifted performer whose emotions are intense and compelling. A native of the quiet corners of Bethel Island, CA, Kammeyer uses his voice as a channel for bravery and reflection. The new music he has released, “Only You,” underlines his position as one of those artists who dare not hide his face; crafting a song that stands as a visceral experience. But the accompanying video is certainly a breath of fresh air, the artistic black and white visual tale lifts this amazing piece into a work of art that defies lack of attention.
The art of storytelling through sound and image is explored in "Only You." The song unfolds like a prayerful confession, cloaked within a hauntingly minimal arrangement that lets the voice inhabit the limelight. The vocals are hauntingly beautiful while flowing, pulling one deeper into the heart of the song's story. The instrumental palette stays purposely austere, with a soft, reverb-washed drum.
The percussion strikes the listener's ear like a heartbeat, impeccably mixed, with an extra dollop of attention paid to the spatial dynamics of the track. Each element feels like it is put there for a particular reason, developing a composition that envelopes the listener.
If the song is like a window into Kammeyer’s soul, the music video is a plunge into his psyche. Directed with an eye for beauty, the video presents a warm black-and-white picture, suggesting it could be placed anywhere in an imaginary period. And the choice of the absence of a lively super-pigment sounds like a decision; one that mutters that the lack of bright colors fits in so well with the emotional weight being told. The central story centers around a couple, in view of the male subject, who seems at war with himself. One particularly stirring image shows him slumped over, lying submerged in a bathtub, a visual metaphor for one drowning in one's wars, only to have the door opened on that world by the woman who reels him back.
The chemistry between the two characters was electric; the choreography was made to mirror the flow of the song itself. There’s something personal about their performances, almost as if you're witnessing something more private than even those two are aware of. The simplicity of the video, while allowing itself to carry the weight of emotion throughout the tale, is such an advantage that it’s difficult to resist. The camera work is very lush; the cinematography is memorable, and the whole sequence is exquisitely framed, leading you directly into the world of the song. The camera generously lingers on the couple, calling upon the audience to share in their pain; the audience here feels hope.
The video strikes a nice visual and audio balance, wherein two people can accomplish each other in one piece. The man's struggle with the woman acts as a stark contrast, driving home the message of real love and real connection Carl Kammeyer is a singer-songwriter who can strike a chord with an audience, and with "Only You," he invites us to do the same. Songs like this inspire and touch our inner core, making us want to reach out, just as many did. Stream "Only You" as soon as it drops and take in the entire package of the video. And while you're at it, make sure to follow Carl Kammeyer in whatever artistic endeavor comes next.