Davis; Andrew Cresswell: Emergency Love

A key cog in the underrated Stackridge wheel, Andrew Cresswell Davis has also been a member of, or worked with, The Korgis, Tears For Fears, Julian Cope, Goldfrapp, Bill Nelson and John Lennon. However as a solo artist ACD has been less prolific, the 1990 album Clevedon Pier his only previous sojourn until Desire Lines in 2015. Therefore Emergency Love is something of a rarity for someone who has been a constant in the music business for over four decades, an album truly all about him. Quite a ride it is too. Taking influences from the likes of Lennon, Harry Nilsson, The Eagles and Jackson Browne, what Davis has presented here is an accessible album that maybe doesn't stretch any boundaries, or dazzle through its breathtakingly daring stance. Instead the 'old time' vibe this album sits so well in is infused with energy and verve through pure, crafted song writing. It's a recipe which sounds ridiculously simple, but one which remains tantalisingly elusive for so many.

The title track itself is an excellent example of how to take a tender theme, present it in a reasonably traditional singer songwriter setting and simply allow the music to speak for itself. Whether the gentle stroll of "Downtown Lights", the understated yet insistent "Magdelene", which I could easily imagine Mark Knopfler singing, or "Charlie's Dead" which contains an authentic country rock vibe, it's hard not to get caught up in the believable manner with which Davis delivers the vocals. Add in some quite wonderful arrangements, where a deceptively simple sheen allows some seriously intricate work to feel smooth and unforced and it's no surprise everything here works so well. However with the likes of Clare Lindley, Brian Mullen, Eddie John, BJ Cole, Andy Latimer, Stig Manley, Valere Speranza and Greg Cordez providing everything from cello to dobro and violin to pedal steel guitar, it's no real surprise that the standard of performance reaches the heights and never slips once. The feel that you're dealing with a thoroughly crafted and cared for set of songs impossible to ignore.

At first glance Emergency Love may seem, from an artist known for chopping and changing styles and approach, a little too straight forward in its ethos. However strong songs and excellent musicianship will always shine brightly and on Emergency Love that light breaks through confidently from start to finish.

Track Listing
1. Rain Rain Rain
2. Nightfishing
3. Baby Good For You
4. Magdelene
5. Peacock Of The Universe
6. Charlie's Dead
7. Emergency Love
8. Downtown Lights
9. Loving You Too Long
10. The Ghost Of Love

Added: April 24th 2016
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Emergency Love at Angel Air
Hits: 1768
Language: english

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