STYLE: Roots/Acoustic RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 8956-8691 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Stuart Blackburn
10 tunes from Mal. These are pleasantly unforced compositions with acoustic guitar(s) plucking Hispanically away. The Mediterranean atmosphere is typified by a version of the "Lord's Prayer" set to music with lyrics in English and Spanish. Thankfully Mal does NOT use the tune of "Auld Lang Syne". Throughout Mal is vocally passionate, though sometimes borders on the melodramatic. The arrangements are simple with occasional help from keyboards and bass. My favourite is the title track simply because Mal sounds so much like David Bowie (late '70s). It is also one of the strongest melodies of the collection. The production is rather homemade and Mal's guitar is overly twangy. However the overall effect is warm, melodic and uplifting.
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