Elly Roberts reviews
camera. : Ashes And Dim Light
Distributed by
Genepool/Universal
- Released: August 2006
- Rating: 10/10
- Label: My Kung Fu
- Digital audio distribution: State51
Endlessly honing their craft on the live circuit, camera.,
formerly The Benjamins, finally release their debut album. It’s been worth the wait.
The quartet of Steve and Matthew Nicholls, Ben Trow and Steffan Owens, have
delivered an album worthy of the status ‘classic debut album’. Since their
conception, the Wrexham-based band has made a monumental leap in the
songwriting department, to add to their undisputed technical skills.
Masterfully produced, mixed and engineered by Charlie Francis, Ashes And
Dim Light could launch them into the major league. National exposure
came their way by opening the January 2005 Tsunami Relief concert at Cardiff's
Millennium Stadium. Now, these top quality 11 songs prove they’re on top of
their game, and hopefully on the verge of greater things.
A sumptuous collection of highly accessible catchy indie pop-rockers - Hurt,
Caught Me Unaware - and sublime ballads, they make a potent cocktail.
Above all, it’s the clever melodies and harmonies that make this a special
album.
With its soaring guitar riffs and catchy chorus, Where You Are opens
this musical box of delights, quickly followed by the melodically majestic
I’m Not Ready. Previous singles Out On The Water and Hurt
also make the cut, beefing up the album’s already expansive sonic experience.
All You, All Day, a gentle plodder, features the album’s vocal
highlight (2.45 mins onwards) by Matthew Nicholls.
Brass touches on All The Time by Chris Brown, turn the floaty ballad
into magnificent track. Caught Me Unaware takes the album to a
sparkling crescendo before leaving us with Tell Me What It Is, (a
goose pimple love ballad I’m familiar with for some time), is the CDs crowning
glory: it could be key to their future success.
Camera has left its calling card, with credibility, style and sophistication.
The full list of tracks included are :
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.