One of the moments of teenage musical epiphany that has stayed with me was the day that I first heard the transformation in the Jesus and Mary Chain from Psycho-billy Goth rockers to dark acoustic outfit with the release of their second album, Darklands. There is something in the voice and of Kevin Pearce and the overall mood of this EP that reminds of that time over 20 years ago.
It opens with the plaintive love song, For Her, with the repetitive chord movement between root and relative minor that, coupled with Pearce’s fragile and occasional falsetto, complements the somewhat obsessive lyrics. His delicate finger-style acoustic guitar continues on the second track, Light Song, but with a gentle and welcome addition of Bass and Piano. The influence of Nick Drake and the contemplative edges of 1970’s prog rock can be felt in the space in the song, allowing the notes to breathe.
The tempo picks up a little bit with the third track, Older Times, with the same trademark sparse arrangements. The wistful tale of longing and unfulfilled love, along with the musicianship reminded me of American singer-songwriter Richard Shindell, and this musical pedigree is something that continues in the next song, Healthy State of Mind. The final track, Vultures, feels like it was born somewhere around Memphis and Essex – a wonderful, hypnotic blend of Johnny Cash and British angst-rock.
Overall, a moving, meditative musical journey in just five songs. Looking forward to hearing a full album from Kevin Pearce.Find him on My Space
