Erratic Cinematic by Gerry Cinnamon
Gerry Cinnamon’s debut album, Erratic Cinematic, is like a rough-hewn gem—scuffed up by a Glasgow street fight but dazzling once you get past the grit. Released in 2017 and self-produced, it’s the kind of album that bypasses the usual slick studio sheen in favor of raw, DIY authenticity. Cinnamon didn’t just make an album; he made a case study for why we don’t always need record labels meddling in our music.
This is an album that flits between anthems for the everyman and intimate, folksy confessionals, all while maintaining Cinnamon’s unmistakable Glaswegian drawl—so thick you might need subtitles, but isn’t that part of the charm? Kicking off with “Sometimes,” a jangly acoustic opener, Cinnamon’s voice pulls you in immediately, part storyteller, part pub philosopher, offering slices of life without ever sounding like he’s preaching.
Musically, Erratic Cinematic is a minimalist affair. There’s no hiding behind layers of production or fancy beats here. Instead, Cinnamon lets his acoustic guitar lead, propping up his reflective, often biting lyrics. The production, done on a budget, isn’t flashy, but that’s exactly what makes it so effective. Each song feels grounded, as though you could be sitting in a Glasgow pub with him, swaying along as he plays just for you.
Lyrically, Cinnamon strikes gold in tracks like “Belter,” a love song for the unglamorous but unforgettable girl next door. “She is a belter,” he croons, capturing that awkwardly relatable sentiment of falling for someone completely out of your league. It’s this mix of relatability and sharp social commentary that makes his songwriting stand out. Tracks like “War TV” and “Diamonds in the Mud” tackle societal issues with a bluntness that lands because it’s delivered with wit rather than anger.
Standout moments? Absolutely. “Belter” is undeniably the crowd favorite, with a catchy, sing-along quality that can transform any gathering into a mini Glasgow gig. “Fortune Favours the Bold” and the title track “Erratic Cinematic” slow the pace down, showing Cinnamon’s more introspective side. It’s like watching the rowdy guy at the party suddenly get serious for a second, and somehow, it works.
Despite its rough edges, the album flows well from start to finish. Each track is distinct but cohesive, like a series of short stories from a well-lived (and occasionally hard-lived) life. It’s not a polished, concept-driven album, but that’s exactly what makes it feel real. It’s rough around the edges in the best way possible—much like the man himself.
In the end, Erratic Cinematic isn’t just a debut album; it’s a defiant statement from an artist who refuses to play by the industry’s rules. Gerry Cinnamon is for the people who’d rather watch football in the pub than listen to someone croon about champagne problems. If you’ve ever felt disillusioned with the overproduced pop landscape, this album’s rough, raw, and real enough to remind you why music should make you feel something. And trust me, Cinnamon makes you feel a lot.
