CD: Richard Hawley - Further | reviews, news & interviews
CD: Richard Hawley - Further
CD: Richard Hawley - Further
South Yorkshire’s King of Cool takes it easy
Richard Hawley’s eighth solo album, Further is, like so many of his previous discs, a masterclass in good taste and relaxed easy listening vibes – but it’s one which manages to steer well clear of the middle of the road. In fact, there’s much here that is reminiscent of that other cool Northerner in a suit, Barry Adamson, who spent a fair few albums wrestling the Easy Listening genre from the '70s cardigan-wearing hell of Val Doonican and his pals.
Further actually kicks off with the garage rocking “Off of My Mind”, where Hawley takes things by the scruff of the neck with squalling guitars and a purposeful thump and doesn’t let go until the final fade out. From there on though, things go down several gears and “Alone” sets the tone for the rest of the album with it’s sunny guitar pop, warm vocals and lush production. Gentle ballads like “My Little Treasures” follow, but it’s on “Is There a Pill?” and “Galley Girl” that the influence of the Big O particularly shines through, with their orchestral backing and Hawley’s quivering vocals. “Emilina Says” similarly tips a hat to Orbison as it skips down his well-trodden path of love, loss and betrayal. “Time Is” adds bluesy flavours and bursts of harmonica to the mix but it’s no lurch into Sonny Boy Williamson territory, and is still mellow enough to provide the soundtrack to a summer’s afternoon doing nothing in particular.
Further is a disc that steers clear of the big newsworthy issues. But while Richard Hawley has little to say about the stuff that causes a stir in the media, there is plenty about the things that everyone comes across while drifting into middle age and realising that youthful vitality is no longer powering life – and that’s pretty universal.
rating
Share this article
Subscribe to theartsdesk.com
Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.
To take a subscription now simply click here.
And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?
Add comment