Play 90 second soundbite of 'The Salty Sea Dog' @ 'CD quality'
No Fixed Abode put themselves in the rather diverse category of "alternative/indie/folk rock" - to me they're distinctly more nu-folk/rock than anything else. Certainly, 'Clearwater' takes me down that road and it's really Una Walsh's voice and style that point me in that direction. Walsh has a range approaching that of the inimitable Sandy Denny but with a delivery that reminds me very much of the folksier side of Natalie Merchant - hey, that's a pretty cool mixture aint it? No Fixed Abode have assembled a really impressive album here; there're eleven very tasty songs and they're all given a very professional outing through the excellent choice of (additional) instrumentation, stunning arrangements and faultless recording and production. What struck me as I listened was that No Fixed Abode seem to have a natural knack of getting a certain ambience and, almost juxtaposed, vibrancy into their songs.
'Clearwater' is totally self-funded and as such is a remarkably well put together work; great artwork, full lyrics booklet and of course the main component, the album itself. Top marks must go to No Fixed Abode for their commitment and attention to detail.
So, what about the album musically? Nothing here to find fault with; really well crafted, beautifully performed - again, faultless!! No Fixed Abode mix it up a bit with a couple of folk/country piece that work very well - they're clearly gifted songwriters and equally obviously superb musicians. Walsh and Dean sound as if they've been working together for quite some time; there's an almost tangible feeling of unity, mutual respect, admiration and understanding within this album - really tidy, really excellent!
No Fixed Abode show exactly what they're about and what they can achieve here. My only worry is that their chosen genre is not the easiest to get out there. I just feel that they will always have an uphill battle to achieve what others achieve with relative ease. And that's a real shame coz No Fixed Abode deserve to do well. I'm sure they'll build up a 'cult' following and will get loads of work at acoustic and/or folk biased venues and festivals but, the damn shame of it all is that they'll probably get trodden underfoot by many less capable and less talented acts on their way to wider recognition. Now, that's not through any fault of their own coz No Fixed Abode have got it all really - it's today's music scene that may be the restrictive influence.
Me, I think 'Clearwater' by No Fixed Abode is a polished and very professional piece of work. Superbly crafted and restfully entertaining it's a real pleasure to behold. I really hope No Fixed Abode can get their work out to a wide enough audience to be able to gain the recognition they so richly deserve.
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