The Hill is a Philadelphia, USA-based who singer songwriter has spent decades behind the scenes helping other artists. Now it’s his turn to step into the limelight with his debut album Get In Line.
By Graeme Smith
In his time, Jon Kowit, the man behind The Hill, has worked in record stores and run an indie label. Yet, all the while, he was also penning songs. Though never having been in a band, or played a live show, through fortuitous circumstances, he’s been able to record his debut album.
Working with a childhood friend, musician, composer and producer Mike “Slo-Mo” Brenner, the two set about recording first the album’s single and opening track Dent, then the full twelve tracks of Get In Line. It was an album neither intended to make but, now unleashed on the world, it seems fated to have happened.
With the album, we are invited into Jon’s world and his personal thoughts about it. Universal themes like life, relationships and inner yearnings are explored, while Mike provides much of the instrumental. It’s a sound that’s steeped in folk and Americana traditions, all while feeling at home in 2024.
From the opening few bars of Dent, we are drawn into an introspective and confessional journey. Jon’s song writing shines in a track that gives the lyrics plenty of space to percolate. Slide guitar gives the instrumental arrangement some lonesome country grit in the chorus.
During the album’s first half, cantering moments like title track Get In Line and Set That Aside meet slower, searching tracks like Make A Find and Making Angels. Setting Sun sits at the heart of the album giving us some alternative vocals during a stripped-back and emotional highlight.
From there we get jangly folk rock (Let Myself Fall), piano-led melancholia (Not Trying, Wake Up Call), and soul-rendering heartbreak (More Than You, Wait So Long). The album is rounded off by the descriptive, immersive storytelling of Driving, a surprising track that pushes the boundaries of The Hill’s sound. It’s a final highlight.
For an album that was never meant to be recorded, The Hill’s debut truly is something. Emotive storytelling meets well-pitched production in a collection for lovers of classic and modern Americana alike.
You can check out Get In Line below.
