STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 2120-27019 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
Singer/songwriter Mark Giacobbe's band Bloom were featured a few issues ago on the Cross Rhythms CD and now that the band has split, he's gearing up to release a solo album of fresh newly written material. This isn't it! This is a useful collection of his previous unreleased songs to bring you up to speed with what a brilliant songwriter he is! One of the great undiscovered independent talents, New Yorker Giacobbe won the 1998 GMA unsigned songwriter's award for his powerful song about forgiveness "490" which is featured here. The acoustic-driven "Drawing Blood" was inspired by a young boy's pavement chalk drawing of Jesus, which Mark photographed and featured on the album's cover. The overall feel of this collection is classic American rootsy rock with jangly guitars, a touch of Hammond and Mark's soulful voice. But don't be fooled, it has more depth and suddenly you find Mark revealing a more sensitive side. There's a bit of Beatles here and there as well, especially on "Sister Susan" and then there are moments when he just lets loose like on the driving "Between Takes" and the opener "Fall Away (Grace And Days)". The intense "Reign" and the intriguing "Seems To Me (J.I.M.)" highlight his observational skills, honest self-awareness and passionate singing. With a clever DIY album cover (the CD comes with a crayon so you can colour in your own cover) and a pack of songs that demand attention, it's time you discovered Mark Giacobbe.
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