STYLE: Roots/Acoustic RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 1050- LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
Waterdeep frontman Don Chaffer seems to have spent the ‘90s constantly writing and recording songs! Prolific could have been a word invented to describe him. Before Waterdeep got off the ground, he released solo projects and worked with a band Hey Ruth. This album was recorded in 1994 and is an excellent window into the roots of his songwriting and the development of Waterdeep. It is the way of independent artists, if they are to survive on the road, to record often. I for one am glad because hidden in this back catalogue is a reservoir of songs which, whilst not as finely tuned as later material, is worth exploring for more than historical reasons. The music is rootsy and lyrically there are poignant story songs, confessions and songs that express a well-considered faith that spreads into all areas of life. “Unwind” is a frustrated plea to God in the midst of trying to reach the lost along the road, and “Gloom Highway” is a desire for spiritual clarity. One touching song is “The Fall” which describes meeting someone who has fallen away from God and the yearning pain of the encounter. Even in these early recordings, the gentle strength of Chaffer’s writing shines through as already these songs touch the heart of things with an understated power.
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