New Album Reviews Simon Stanley Ward SONGS FROM VARIOUS PLACES. Blue Hole Records Hailing from London Ward is a songwriter and of late a performer at comedy clubs. His music is heavily influenced by country stylings as well and truly exemplified by the album’s raucus opener ‘Jurassic Park’. The song speeds along with a tangible melody, an exuberant and enthusiastic vocal with instruments clamouring loudly in the background. Next track ‘I Heard It All’ slows substantially with banjo backdrop and Ward’s western twang making this sound like classic yankee country. Guitar solos and keyboards complete this likeable package. back up to speed with ‘WOW!’ which adds storytelling to the mix with dramatic changes of pace with surprises round every corner. ‘Beluga Whale’ boasts a matching bassline with arguably the best and most expressive vocal on the album. ‘Set In Stone’ is driven by a relentless drum rhythm with a vocal that’s almost at talking pace. It’s narrative is light, funny but also poignant. ‘Water (You’ve Got To Have It)’ pretty much provides what’s written on the tin against a rather ordinary instrumental backdrop. This is a likeable, fun album with strong country vibe which may or may not appeal to serious country afficienados. 3/5 Page: 1 2 |
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