Martin
Calllingham – Tonight, We All Run Free (Folkwit Records)
CD/DL
Out Now
Former Joyce
and Librarian frontman releases his debut solo album.
One probably
wouldn’t get away with a review just saying that an album is nice, but Tonight
We All Swim Free is just that. It’s nice,
even lovely and maybe even the sort of album you want to take to bed and
cuddle. It’s warm and comforting and
makes you want to stay in its clutches for quite some time.
Martin
Callingham has a soft gentle voice.
Imagine a quieter version of Tom McRae and you won’t go far wrong, in
fact his style of writing is quite similar too.
Well formed, often sweeping pieces of delightful melodies and equally
enthralling voice combine to contribute ten tracks to a thoroughly entertaining
if all too short album.
It’s maybe
fair to say that there are also comparisons to be had to Simon &
Garfunkel. Martin has a sweet angelic
voice very akin to that of Art maybe none more so on Build Us A Path and On
Your Mark, the latter of which also has echoes (sic) of Julee Cruise and
Falling (the Twin Peaks spookathon).
One of those
rare talents that has the ability to make stories unfold right before your
ears, his words craft stories and scenarios that are common to us all and we
are able to relate to. Even the
instrumental Ken does enough to conjure up the image of an adult learning to
swim in a packed public pool.
Tonight We
All Swim Free has already been lauded by Radios 1 and 6 and it’s easy to see
why. It’s perfect ‘alternative’ fodder
which has the potential to reach larger audiences. Portland Square was a recent
favourite as its understated guitar work and gentle hook sit comfortably with
mild percussion and occasional cymbals, and recent single Knots whilst more
upbeat continues the sublime stream of complete and utter loveliness.
8/10
Links
No comments:
Post a Comment