John E - That It? (Or "When I Said Minimalist...") Vol 1: UFI
STYLE: Roots/Acoustic RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 168343-25823 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
This release sees Wiltshire singer/songwriter John E Wright strip things right back to basics by employing only a solitary acoustic guitar as accompaniment on a set of songs penned in unique fashion. Proceedings kick off with the somewhat bizarre "Head Buzz" which sets the scene for a collection of tracks that unfortunately don't hit the mark in terms of lyricism, structure or delivery. Wright's tendency to use the same basic guitar-playing style in the majority of the songs - heavy down strokes on the second and fourth beats of the bars - makes for a release that lacks variety although the occasional foray into fingerpicking in the likes of the thoughtful "Beauty" provides temporary relief. Whilst Wright stoically attempts to offer up thematically memorable numbers, his habit of cramming too many words and chords into his compositions makes for a clunky and awkward listening experience and, whilst the album's blurb admits that its contents are "vulnerable and raw", there are some tonality issues concerning Wright's vocals that would have benefitted from one more take. Despite being recorded in Pete Lamb's Music Workshop studio, the acoustic guitar sound consistently comes across as tinny and one dimensional and, whilst it's a brave move for Wright to present his songs as nature intended, adding even just one more instrument here and there plus a fuller mix would have given things a boost without forsaking the album's raison d'etre. Songs such as "Good To See The Sun" and the love song "Nothing New" show promise but Wright's material and performance require more refinement - especially when presented in such an exposed fashion.
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.