One Cure For Man – Colours In The Fire
CD / DL
Out Now
7 / 10
Lancashire singer/songwriter release his new album.
Aztec Camera, Prefab Sprout and Manic Street Preachers are
three artists that spring to mind in as many tracks on the latest album by
James Parkinson aka One Cure For Man. Originally
formed in 2009 as a band and moving to a solo act three years later, a move to
the Midlands and back to the North West may have proved as continued
inspiration and invigoration.
Parkinson fits nicely into the mould of experienced
songwriter with the addition of being a talented multi-instrumentalist (he
plays guitar, bass, percussion and keys amongst other things) and, is more than
capable of knocking out a catchy tune or two.
Some lovely riffs within these songs are evident too, a good example
being a nice Johnny Marr influence on Deleted Scenes, a catchy 80s indie styled
piece which will do its damnedest to make your toes tap.
Album opener and title track, Colours In The Fire may also
allude to the fine song writing of Prefab Sprout’s Paddy McAloon as it weaves
guitar solos with solid vocals in a formula that may be disastrous in the hands
of someone less competent. Thankfully,
Parkinson pulls off an album beginning which may just keep a newbie interested
enough to carry on through the almost anthemic ending and guitar screech.
You could almost be forgiven for thinking that The Unknown
is a Manics song. Those characteristic
loud drums and keyboard riffs reminiscent of when they once made interesting
music before the wheels fell off post 1998, make for a track which can be
imagined with a leaping audience punching the air in unison. It’s a highlight of the album and one which
Parkinson should be very proud of.
Unafraid to tackle varying subject matter such as
alienation, vanity and amnesia, each subject is cleverly bound within melodies which
are easy to digest and difficult to dislike.
Maybe there is nothing new here and nothing ground-breaking but what is
here is simple, honest indie/pop/rock that is often radio friendly and always
well executed and produced.
Another Cup Of Tea has hints of The Who and Animals has a
great bass break around the two minute mark before breaking into a Roddy Frame guitar
lick. More comparisons but, don’t let
this deter you checking out One Cure For Man and as When I’m Gone ends (a tale
of mortality, morality and life in general) you can’t help thinking you haven’t heard the
last of him.
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