In February 2013 we reviewed Jeff Bell’s fifth studio album which we said was “Rough like sandpaper against thigh, and as acid as vinegar on the shelf…” [rawramp.me/jeff-bell-rome-album-review/]
London based Bell has now released “Songs From No One In Particular” and (as the title suggests) this is a collection of fourteen short introspective mini-rants about the unfairness of loneliness, social withdrawal, and navel-gazing self-pity.
So, we start with the angry “Got No One” a sour little diatribe about the injustice of seclusion.
Bell’s vocals on ‘Only Words’ possess a sly slur and and a clever ironic lilt. Like Dylan – in a particularly mocking mood. This is a bizarre fulmination – a mix of folk and snotty, arrogant punk.
‘Fools Gold’ is bluesy, with a jewelled guitar and a thumping texture. It still has that same autumnal lack-of-spirit and a sense of encroaching decay. The synth-sounds clamour around the edges. The voice is as chipped as a panhandler’s beaker, and as dusty as the road he chooses to lose himself upon.
‘Rhythm of the System’ is full of clicks and tockings. You can almost feel the particles enter into your skin – and make way into your blood-stream. The guitars move smoothly like lizards in golden reeds. The shapes and textures twang in Oriental fashion, giving life to an almost meditative state.
‘Searching’ is quite beatific. The words escape, as if they are just chipped away. The sentiments are dense, dark and musty. This song is the closest yet to the “Man in Black.” Darkly romantic, thoughtful, and full of suppressed pain.
The album ends on a note of optimism. In “Always” Bell admits he will “Always love you…” Although, of course, the temptation is to run away – and hide inside a shell.
@neilmach © 2014
Link:
RAW RAMP 