Tom Craven’s album “Make Yourself Known” is a record built for the essence of what makes us who we are, our resilience and strength to push against adversity. The album is about our essential spirit that shines in times of hardship. Pieced together over the past decade, “Make Yourself Known” takes on a newfound significance in light of the pandemic that shook the world to its core. However, rather than dwell in the despair that that time brought to us all, Craven’s lyrics become emblematic of something more powerful — hope. The record also touches on a plethora of other themes, namely that of honesty, self-belief, bravery, and humble resilience. From the opening piece of “Let It Fall (My December)”, you’re immediately drawn into this spirit of upliftment and resilience that Craven tries to impart onto you.
The album stands as a tribute to those who have faced troubled times and emerged stronger on the other side. The songs in “Make Yourself Known” are a celebration of the beauty in the lives we lead and the people we choose to keep close. Music is a tool for betterment, for medicine, and for improvement. It speaks to our core being, and Craven’s songs capture the sense of purpose and newfound appreciation for life that has come from such a trying time.
The music itself is a mix of folk and indie rock, with acoustic guitars, pianos, and strings weaving in and out of each track. With Craven’s deeply emotive performance across each track, perhaps most pronounced and beautiful on the chorus of “New Signals”, it’s a delightful listening experience. There is a pureness to the production that adds to the emotional impact of the songs, with vocal harmonies on the aforementioned track really elevating the spirit within.
“Make Yourself Known” brings to life spirit of perseverance in the face of hardship like few do. Powerful, emotional, and empathic, this is Tom Craven at his best.