Reviewed by Tony Cummings

IN THE MAINSTREAM

Singer/songwriter Michael Clarke has already got considerable airplay for his single “Secret File” while Mojo magazine called him a “soft hearted singer/songwriter” who “pours on the warmth.” Certainly, from a musical perspective, this is a captivating debut for the Birmingham songsmith, with its deft touches of poignancy and its crisp pop rock production bringing out the tuneful hooks coming on like a cross between Coldplay and Travis. Lots of nice production touches - the wistful string arrangement on “Everyone Will Have Their Day”, the ponderous electronic groove on “Evergreen” - while throughout we are pulled in by Clarkesville’s hoveringly poignant vocals. What mars complete enjoyment of ‘The Half Chapter’ are the enigmas and contradictions expressed in his obtuse lyrics. Expressed to women or woman, they seem to reflect guilt and self-loathing (“Just Kills Me”), hope and optimism (“Everybody Will Have Their Day”) and embittered unforgiveness (“Heavy Soul”) but such is the obtuse imagery you could interpret them in many other ways. And nowhere does Michael’s Christian faith shine a shaft of light in all the self-obsession.

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