Al Lewis

Al Lewis

Al Lewis Quick Links

News Music RSS

Al Lewis - Battles Album Review


Folky acoustic singer-songwriters walk a narrow path at the best of times between being much too twee and insipid, and just delivering acoustic versions of potential rock songs. Al Lewis treads the line carefully, with some degree of success.

Al Lewis - Battles Album Review

The album opens with the relatively upbeat The Truth in Growing Old which is built on subtle layers of guitar and piano performing a fairly traditionally arranged song. One of the first things you notice is the quality and sheen of the mix. All of the instruments are audible and clear, yet also soft and gentle. I always grimace slightly when someone starts playing a harmonica solo, but on this occasion it is understated, not overdone and actually quite pleasant, which is surprising.

Next up are three songs which stretch the formula which the album opener suggests only slightly. Sunshine and Don't Believe in Magic are slightly morose, yet catchy songs with hooks all over the place. Sometimes, the breathiness of the vocals and the ridiculously slick production calls to mind the backing music of a cheesy John Lewis advert, and once that imagery takes hold there is no shaking it. Luckily, these songs are separated by the downtrodden yet somehow major key run through of Treading Water, where the female backing vocals really lift the charming arrangement to another plain entirely.

Continue reading: Al Lewis - Battles Album Review

Al Lewis

Al Lewis Quick Links

News Music RSS

Occupation

Musician


Artists
Actors
    Filmmakers
      Artists
      Bands
        Musicians
          Artists
          Celebrities
             
              Artists
              Interviews