A couple of weeks ago I witnessed a Johnathan Rice live performance at the V Festival that proved one of the highlights of the festival. Earlier I had received his album and it was a brief listen that led me to the lonely Volvic Tent at the festival to see him.

Rice is an American singer/songwriter with a gentle, expressive voice. As this album illustrates, his music has a strong pop sensibility and is delivered in an unusually epic way. Track two, Mid November, is a prime example with its huge melody, substantial instrumental backing, and expansive production qualities. Next track, Kiss Me Goodbye, offers a more rocky ambience but is still underpinned by melody and a radio-friendly pop vibe. There’s a multitude of pace and mood changes including the rocky, darker So Sweet; the acoustic, wistful and languid beauty of Break So Easy; and the rolling, country tinged Lady Memphis. Behind The Frontlines is a moving an acoustic, contemplative love ballad while My Mother’s Son surprises with its opening soft tones before the epic orchestral chorus appears to make this song rather special. Another of my favourite album tracks, City On Fire, is a gently meandering acoustic song with flashes of flute, piano and strings, with the most expressive vocal performance on the album. It’s utterly beautiful, and immediately followed by the extraordinary Put Me In Your Holy War that sound like an ancient home recording of a religious blue grass song. It’s a short, fascinating interlude before Rice rocks out with Salvation Day. Stay At Home is the song that hopefully will be released as a single. It has everything including a bouncing vibe, fabulous melody, characteristically good lyrics, fabulous vocal choruses, and a wonderful instrumental arrangement. Hell, it could be pop song of the year! But then another cracker follows with the mesmerising and distinctive The Acrobat that is high on emotion and one of the most moving songs I’ve heard all year.

This is no ordinary album, and Rice quite unique amongst the current crop of singer/songwriters. The diverse content compels attention and many repeat plays. In short, it’s an excellent and very entertaining album.

4.5/5