Southampton (UK) based James McLaren has just recorded his debut EP with award winning producer and Communion partner Ian Grimble (The 1975, Travis, Michael Kiwanuka, Manics).
James is a gifted and gripping storyteller.
His vocals hint at classic English songwriters such as John Martyn and contemporary peers such as Bon Iver and Ben Howard.
His musical tools on this record are choral backing harmonies, a lazy swing rhythm section and lyrics which elegantly tell tales of an observer processing confusing signals and seeing what can be learned.
We listened to the track Stay Aboard:
With the warmth of that nutmeg voice – the harmonies enclose to embrace you like a collection of golden leaves brushed into a pile for bonfire night – this bewitches you immediately.
Later, you start to nod to the cowboy beat – it has some rusty twang in it – even a Spanish rattle here-and-there.
Can you imagine a dangerous gunman swaggering down the sidewalk (spurs clanking) to this beat? We can.
The voice is creamy praline Frangelico.
Totally unique. Lush and caramel. Sometimes a little charred with varnish – but that’s a good thing.
And, all the way through, this is a red-brown treat.
@neilmach © 2014
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/iamjamesmclaren/
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