a contemplative, moody, mellow work that's as pure as the driven snow but much more welcoming.
Play 90 second soundbite of 'Silver Revolver' @ 'CD quality'
a contemplative, moody, mellow work that's as pure as the driven snow but much more welcoming.
Stone plays guitars and vocalises whilst friend and co-producer Finn (Govinda Doyle) lays down bass and drums; very simple, very cool stuff this. What's especially cool is that Stone's very minimalist approach here goes somewhat against the grain when it comes to modern, all 'whistles and bells', recordings; the simplistic format here allows Stone more than enough room in the mix to deliver his vocals, in effect, as another instrument - which he does absolutely beautifully it has to be said! Stone also shows how important 'silence' is when it comes to creating atmosphere and musical intensity; his use of 'nothingness' equally important to, and just as effective as, instrumental over-embellishment - silence is indeed golden and Stone's and Finn's mixing and arrangements are totally on the money! And, even on the few occasions when the metaphoric foot is applied to the gas pedal and they let the clutch out the ride is still economic, ultra-smooth and listener-friendly.
'Smoking Gun', at times, is a solemn sounding work, consisting generally of mid to low tempo songs covering a number of emotional and thought provoking themes as Stone and Finn contrive to embellish and punctuate the poetic lyrics with their wonderfully precise but stripped-back playing. Stone's fragile, whispery but extremely empathetic vocals are wonderfully weighted with the result that every song feels like he could be in the room singing to you and you alone. 'Smoking Gun' is blessed with an overall easy vibe born of gentle but direct musicianship; 'Smoking Gun' has a beautifully chilled but evocative presence that's both restful and somehow, at the same time, exhilarating. 'Smoking Gun' has nothing at all jarring, angular or challenging about it - it's an album of great vision and musical sincerity - brilliant for every one of its twelve stunning tracks and fifty-odd minutes - great value in monetary terms as well as in terms of emotional fulfilment.
'Smoking Gun' by Lady Of The Sunshine is a scintillating work of nu-folk purity, poise and poignancy; something fresh, new, vital and viable. 'Smoking Gun' by Lady Of The Sunshine aka Angus Stone tantalises as it nurtures; a breathtakingly cool but wonderfully bright album of strong songs and effortless musicianship designed to take you to another, better place - and it does!!
|
|
