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We normally associate music recording in some lavish studio. Not this one.
Dog-sitting at his sister’s house in Dublin for a week, Adrian Crowley
chose to do Long Distance Swimmer DIY style.
A fortress of mattresses (built especially to soundproof the living room, so he
says) enabled him to crack-on undisturbed, though it must have been quite a
strange sight. This low-key beauty has a heart warming charm and simplicity
that ushers in 2008. This is a real musos album which richly deserves a bigger
audience, and may well do, if it’s picked up by the right people at the
nation’s radio stations. So come guys.
Some reviewers have called him miserable. Damien Rice gets the same treatment.
Nevertheless, Crowley does a pretty good job here. His hushed vocal style and
easy paced music is a, sort of, hybrid of Richard Hawley and fellow Dubliner
Rice, without the Orbison comparisons, drama and deep deep melancholy. It’s
more of an Elliott Smith and Nick Drake affair really. It’s not big on laughs,
but music and singing are perfectly matched.
Starting with the gentle intro of Bless Our Tiny Hearts, it flutters by
and it’s sweet stuff too, despite his characterless vocals. The pace quickens
on These Icy Waters which means he’s stretched more in the signing
department. This song reminds me of a '80s hit, which escapes me right now.
Then it’s back to the acoustic guitar for the Americana-tinged Star Of The
Barbour: sweet melody in abundance. A similar template ensues for
Temporary Residence with splashes of horn to perk it up. Jewel in the
crown is the minimalist and gorgeous Victoria, again treading onto Hawley’s
vocal bag.
For Harmony Row, Crowley seems to break sweat, though you won’t see much
perspiration. Interestingly enough this could be right out of Beirut’s masterpiece
Flying Club Cup
of 2007, with again, a dash of restrained brass for effect.
Dropping into snooze control, it’s yet more minimalism on Leaving The Party.
Even the string-bending is kept to a minimum. Drums (and a beat) opens a stately
Brothers At Sea, but as expected, it’s all under control.
As it began, Crowley leaves us with more sweetness – soft jangly guitar and
strings providing the background for him to drop in yet more characterless
singing. Despite its predominantly one dimensional trip, it never becomes
boring, which is quite an art.
1. Bless Our Tiny Hearts
2. These Icy Waters
3. Star Of The Harbour
4. Temporary Residence
5. Walk On Part
6. Victoria
7. Harmony Row
8. Theft By Starlight
9. Electric Eels
10. Leaving The Party
11. Brother At Sea
12. Long Distance Swimmer
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Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
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Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.