Mark-Anthony Abel

Single - In Vain

Play 90 second soundbite of 'In Vain' @ 'CD quality'

Hmmm, NICE!! Right from the opening bars, 'In Vain', which, I suppose, is an EP, cries quality and commercialism. Mark-Anthony Abel reminds me of Seal in his approach to 'proper' British music; there's an eloquence and elegance to Mark-Anthony's work that feels well honed and worldly wise. But this guy isn't Seal re-incarnate. No way, Mark-Anthony is a different thing altogether and very much his own man.

The Title track, 'In Vain' has a radio-friendliness about it - I can see quite a few stations taking a close look at this guy (if they're allowed to!). And so the story continues with 'I Might Let You Down', 'More Than This' and 'Take My Hand'.

Mark-Anthony has an effortless and slick vocal style with just enough huskiness to make a difference. His songs are generally on the concise side but with sufficient time to allow the message to be heard and understood. Mark-Anthony has something quite special - both as a writer and performer!

Nothing here sounds over-done, over-cooked or in the slightest bit contrived. The production is empathetically smooth and slick, there's no big shocks, nothing to dislike, nothing to batter the senses. All four tracks on 'In Vain' sound bright and optimistic; Mark-Anthony's lyrics don't seem to dwell too much on gloom and despair, rather on positivity through experience and reasoned questioning. And, just like his words, I can see a justifiably bright future for this likeable wordsmith and musician. One to watch out for methinks!

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