Other Reviews

26/01/2010

Mark The Hard Earth

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Kris Drever

Second album syndrome states that artists are creatively spent having used up their entire repertoire in one fell swoop previously. Coupled with this, many fail to make a stylistic leap, leaving a hollow release. And, although ‘Mark The Hard Earth’ doesn't forge a new identity for Kris Drever, it is more cohesive, enigmatic, and contains a classic from the man himself.

Still favouring material from Sandy Wright ('Shining Star' & 'Wild Hurricane') and Boo Hewerdine ('Sweet Honey In The Rock'), he's also extended his palette with unearthed treasures: Caleb Klauder, a country player from Portland, Oregon ('This Old Song'). And Murray Attaway, another obscure American, whose 'Allegory' is majestically tender. Even Kris's brother Duncan gets a look in. Then, with a healthy disregard for musical boundaries, there's a sprinkling of trad numbers - 'O' A' The Airts' from Burns rising above the rest.

His self-penned title track, an eulogy to the weather, makes a deep impression with a restrained passionate melody being beautifully worded: 'me I like rain on a grey afternoon, the sounds on my window they brighten the gloom.'

Kris, and fellow arranger John McCusker, have lightly pummelled this collection of new and old then added musical soulmates - principally Tim O'Brien, Ewen Vernal and Ian Carr. The mix, in part, has an old timey Americana feel: an unkempt freewheeling' quality, as if Kris was part of The Band's early output - he would have been at home sat round the fire in those heady Woodstock days.

A presentation of musical passions which showcases an enviable musical prowess. The boy from Orkney done good.

David Kushar

www.krisdrever.com