Posted on 06/11/2008
So interlaced are his singing and his rhyming, that if Domer were performing in the Jamaican music industry, he might fall under the category of "singjay." Similarly, his music walks a line between electronic, hip-hop, and rock, with the result that it can, within the scope of the album, feel alternately appropriate for both the underground hip-hop circuit and VH1's Top Twenty Countdown. As this between-worlds sound commits to no side entirely, it is therefore unique unto itself, though there is a plaintive, emotional quality to Domer's music and lyrics that is slightly (not entirely) reminiscent of the successful hip-hop/rock hybridizations popularized by mainstream artists like Everlast or Linkin Park. Vaguest Vacation has more of a "laptop-producer" affect than those artists, but tracks like "Get Through This," with its clean guitars, optimistic lyrics, and well-placed turntable cuts, have an undeniably radio-friendly aspect, one that would not seem out-of-place on the playlists of non-music aficionado American youths.

There is a lot of creativity in effect; musically Domer produces most of his own tracks, manipulating samples, instruments, and drum programming into what feels rooted in an electro aesthetic, but which still allows for a lot of dynamic variety. The up-tempo "Mellow Me" bounces along in a manner comparable to Spank Rock, while "Family" flips an Indian/Middle-Eastern vibe. "Midbreath" is another left turn; if this were your introduction you'd swear Domer to be an indie-rock band. Synth washes, noise, and backwards guitar notes add color and atmosphere to various tracks, providing a lot of harmonic underpinnings for Domer's layered vocals, which in turn can swing from a clean, straightforward voice to a more gruff, Steve Harwell-like tone as the need arises. His voice is somewhat limited due to being so distinct sounding, and though the music can stretch out across styles, the overarching similarity of the vocals sometimes undermines this.

Many of the same things that sell Domer to some will turn him off to others. The lyrics are very emotionally driven, concerned with a lot of personal frustration and disappointment even as they strive towards a more ordered identity and positive outlook. There is an overall feeling that teens and young adults might relate to this content best, but this is not to do a disservice to the quality of the craftsmanship and say that anyone else couldn't appreciate it for what it is. The success here is that Domer has created an album that presents a clear expression of himself as an individual and that he does so with some artistic flair. The shortcoming is that the album is merely good and not great; the songs that are excellent ---like lead single "You're On To Me" and the aforementioned "Get Through This"--- have a way of grabbing you that slow-burners like "Secret" do not. Like or dislike of this record, as with so much else, will come down to personal taste and preference.

- Justin Deremo