Grandiose and far reaching.
In a funny twist, Songdogs ‘The Time of Summer Lightning’ was the first album this reviewer wrote about for Room13 back in 2005 and looking back on the review, it's fair to say that the band hasn't moved too far from their sound. Scoring 9 out of 13, it was noted that the band were keen to tell long and involved stories and this trend continues on ‘A Wretched Singers Song.’
The same breathing and deliberate vocal delivery from previous is all over album opener ‘Reuben’s Tattoo’ and even the song title informs you that you’re listening to something a little bit different here, no this is not something that The Enemy or The View would toss off their debauched tourbus. However, whilst it's refreshing to have a change, there is a sense of familiarity preventing the album from propelling the band to bigger things. It can be overwhelming with so many stories and tales fighting for space and air with elaborate backing and although it's good to get value for money when purchasing a record, its possible there is a little bit too much music here.
‘The Devil Needs You For His Squeeze’ offers up some variation and could maybe pass for the Pogues in one of their lighter and folkier moments but normal proceedings return on the following ‘Like Kim Novak.’
Main man Lyndon Morgan has a voice capable of many ranges and emotions but there are very few moments on the record tht it feels as though its really alive and enjoying itself. Unfortunately, when you have a vocal delivery that is constantly reaching out to try and capture some dreams and passion it can fall flat to certain listeners and its fallen flat on these ears. This sort of style is reminiscent of the overblown style of Meatloaf or of the American 1980s where every decision was a life and death choice where the singer must choose between staying and rotting in a small town or chase his dreams against the odds. Its subjective and whilst its very easy to say that the performance is managed well, its definitely going to be an acquired taste but if it sounds up your street then go for it.
As the album continues and the grandiose feeling contineus, it's hard to shake the feeling of David Brent playing his guitar in ‘The Office’, impressing the staff with another tale of life and love.
Alright guys, same time same place in another few years but please change things around a little bit but at the same time, keep on dreaming!