Vocally, there's some way to go but there's also now doubt that he's got potential and with his enthusiasm I'm sure he'll find his level and capabilities.Play 90 second soundbite of 'Something Real' @ 'CD quality'
A simplistic approach, with a beautiful honesty and naivety from start to finish 'The Songs Write Themselves (Part 1)' has an easy, ethereal feel as James uses his guitar and effects to the max to provide a clever backdrop that can almost do without any other instrumental support.
Vocally, there's some way to go but there's also now doubt that he's got potential and with his enthusiasm I'm sure he'll find his level and capabilities.
'Intro 1. 1953', a slow, freeform, instrumental, just fails to make it for me; although it sits well as an opener, it somehow lacks the depth that subsequent tracks demonstrate. Nonetheless, it brings the listener gently into the lovely opening bars of the gentle 'Something Real'. What we have here is James sounding very much like a young Robert Wyatt. At first I didn't think it worked - it felt just too loose, to underdeveloped in the voice department. After several listens I've grown to love the track and it now feels like a typical Pugh work as further demonstrated by the next track, 'Ugly Side Of War'. Although much darker and heavier this again relies on James' guitar to build intensity which is almost juxtaposed to his youthful sounding voice. However, it's another grower and again it works. 'Makes Me Blind' brings this interesting work to an end. It returns to the ethereal feel with great guitar fx providing haunting refrains while James whispers out his lyrics over simple but effective guitar. If I have one criticism here it would be that the solo commencing at two minutes twenty sounds just a little 'off' and therefore slightly harsh on the ears. But that's minor really, the overall feel is still pretty damn good.
James Pugh isn't going to take the world by storm with this solo work but he will raise a few eyebrows and get a bit of interest in some circles. It's quite obvious that James Pugh has an unstoppable urge to create and play original music. And bloody good luck to him too!! Without people like James breaking a few rules, experimenting and being creative the future of 'good' music will falter and die. I just hope that James Pugh continues to work hard, finds a niche for his music and goes on to inspire more young musicians with his determination and creativity.
I look forward hearing anything else that this young guy lays down; I'm keen to experience the 'growing' process that, without doubt, will ensue!
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