A Dreamy Melange of Heartfelt Styles
The James Warner Prophecies offer a soulful alternative to a lot of the trash in the charts today, from the outset they are unafraid of being different, sporting two interchangeable vocal and guitarists and a flute player, alongside a sturdy rhythm section.
'Lie In' kicks off the album with a funky swing that combines rich female vocals, breathy and more 'scat' male vocals and some chaotic, but rocking guitar work that would be good enough for any of the current crop of rock heroes. 'James Warner's Last Dying Words' take a more folk approach, with the faint staccato flute notes cutting in to the laidback rhythm and pensive tune, even then there's a chance for a dreamy, but powerful chorus that draws all the elements of the music together into something deliciously rapturous. 'Hazel' is more brooding, a light, airy tune carried along on the open chords of acoustic guitars, but it's equally passionate with a soaring soprano melody.
'Never Been Here Gone' is a bright, more simplistic pop tune, the intermingling vocals add a little complexity, but it doesn't try to be anything other than a sweet sunny song. In comparison 'Piece of History' offers a lilting refrain that seduces the listener into the wandering tune, it's one of the most mature, creative and fresh tracks on the album and definitely one to check out if you're at all intrigued by The James Warner Prophecies. 'The One' has a crisp sound that mixes speedy spoken lyrics, floating flute and a driving rhythm section that's heavily laden with chugging guitars, the way that the flute picks up the melody in the most climactic moments is especially outstanding.
'Unrequited One' has a bluesy edge with big guitar chords rolling out from behind the jazzy vocals as the flute chips in to create a Jethro Tull edge. 'Song For Caroline' is a heartfelt ballad, with a poisonous and melodramatic side, "I hope you often caught a disease and died/But if you did I don't think I could ever shed a tear". Intricate guitarwork and the multi-layering of instruments really make this a moving tune.
'Itch' is a big abrasive rock tune that growls and explodes, but with added fluttering of shrill flute that get under your skin. The finale, 'Life In General' spans some 6 minutes, beginning with a mournful harmonica tune moving into an epic chorus and reflecting on all the elements of life itself. Then there's a deeply emotive hidden track that initially surprises you, and then continues to knock you down dead with its tender vocals and almost violent percussion.
The only description necessary for this album is 'delightful'; the tunes are well written and drenched in intelligent instrument layering, emotion and quirky melodies, but beyond all they're powerful and passionate, embracing a variety of styles successfully.