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Change Of Heart (AND CD47) £5 This contemporary singer songwriter's unique delivery of acoustic guitar and vocals have been said to transcend the conventional boundaries of music categorisation His songwriting often addresses the deeper, meaningful side of human nature without being morose. His raw emotions, great guitar technnique and vocals are a compelling mixture for any audience. Christian comments about the new album I'm very happy with the way it feels. I've created an overall picture of general and everyday emotional happenings. There is more of a pop sensibility about Change of Heart yet it retains the raw nerve of real passions. *** REVIEW *** Folk music is not my cup of tea, so for Christian to produce a second folk album that I like, let alone actually listen to right the way through (more than once) is nothing short of a minor miracle. The first thing that grabs you when you put Umbilical Love on is the sheer richness of the guitar sound, there seem to be more layers on this album than the last, but then this isn't a totally solo effort this time with several guest artists adding credence to Christian's excellent musical pedigree. T.V. World seems to create a new musical category of Folk Jazz, the song dips in and out of different styles as it moves along, each one complimenting the other. The title track moves from the first two upbeat numbers into a more melancholy tone, showing off Christian's guitar skills with some fast rhythmic picking overlayed with a lower simple guitar melody. A change of sound again for She'll Come, She'll Go with a much warmer softer (dare I even say Oasis like - sorry Christian) strummed guitar and a beautifully rounded acoustic bass wandering around below, only to be filled out in the solo by a marvellous string arrangement, courtesy of Martyn Tite. Back to the minor keys for Seasons to be followed by a haunting introduction of Juju, which is followed by a very upbeat, happy (is this really Christian Laverick ?) guitar lilt, I just wish I knew what the hell Juju was about ! Now Not from Around Here is my favourite on the album, but I'm buggered if I can tell you why. It's not the most technically brilliant song, it's not the happiest song, and it even has a tag line that reminds me of Morrissey (yeuch !!!) - and yet it connects with me and buries itself deep in my head (for hours afterwards, even Iron Maiden can't shift it). The most striking thing about Crutch has to be the English Bagpipes, expertly handled by Enzo Puzzovio. To be honest they're so striking they sort of take the attention off of the song itself. Once you heard them you're sat waiting for the weird and enchanting sound to come back again, and the rest of the song sort of passes you by. After that though Christian plays with himself, if you'll pardon the expression, letting you know what an excellent musician he is with the vocal-less Silhouettes and Shadows. Christian then moves you through an upbeat, almost poppy Suicide for Love to finish off with his more traditional subdued and melancholy Mysterious Mystery. Christian has lived up to the promise shown on Forget which must delight the people at A New Day Records. The musicianship cannot be faulted, neither can the very high production quality. I said at the beginning that Folk is not my cup of tea, so I guess Christian isn't a folk musician, so what category is he in ? Well listen to him with an open mind and decide for yourself - but I guarantee you'll change your mind as the album goes on. I thought he was a folk musician, but then I had a change of heart ! Dean Harrison Steamhead.com back to band list Price: £5 # 041(CD47) |
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A New Day Records 75 Wren Way Farnborough Hants GU14 8TA |