Joseph Arthur - Even Tho (14 Floor Records 26/09/2005) - Single Review

What would make Keanu Reeves switch off his mobile phone and travel over a hundred miles to Manchester on a cold and cloudy evening? Perhaps the soulful, hint of gospel with a shattering musical accompaniment on display in 'Even Tho', provides a big clue? Joseph Arthur is the antithesis of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood; having shunned any hint of sensationalism to concentrate of realism, rhythm and integrity. 'Even tho' possesses all of these characteristics and a little “je nais se qua” to boot.

Lyrically, this enthralling number from the underrated 'Our Shadows Will Remain' album, displays the honesty and insight that raised eyebrows on his 2002 offering; ‘Redemption’s Son’. With a hint of Ryan Adams, Neil Young, Surfjan Stevens and Danny McNamara vocals, Arthur tells the tale of loneliness and unrequited love with true depth and feeling;

Joseph Arthur returns to the UK soon and will be sure to bring his sketch pad, as he is quite an artist on the side. You would be advised to attend, as you never know who you might be stood next to!

http://www.josepharthur.com

03-OCT Manchester UK
04-OCT Cardiff UK
05-OCT London UK
07-OCT Sheffield UK
08-OCT Glasgow UK
09-OCT Leeds UK
10-OCT Liverpool UK
11-OCT Edinburgh UK
13-OCT Derry Ir
14-OCT Dublin Ir
15-OCT Cork Ir
17-OCT Bristol UK
18-OCT Portsmouth Uk
19-OCT Nottingham UK
20-OCT Northampton

David Adair