DO you think there’s a production line near a recording studio churning out singer-songwriters? It’s as if a non-proliferation treaty needs to be signed preventing any more exponents from planet Mars, Murs, Mumford, and every other Tom, Dick and Harry wielding a plectrum and a smile.
Shake a drum stick,and there’s another modern-day troubadour trotting out the latest in personal shtick and schism, love and loss, reflection and introspection. Latest exponent is George Ezra, he of Budapest, one of the fastest rising single releases of the past month. Ezra’s brand of self-expression is jaunty and jingle-jangly, the new kid possessing a winning vocal style – Jack Johnson meets Labi Sifre with a dash of Arcade Fire front-man Win Butler.
The songs are tuneful, toe-tapping, but largely same old, same old. Musically unadventurous and routine, save for the outstanding Did You Hear The Rain? Opening with a gospel a capella vocal, it builds to a rattle and hum of power, pace and passion. That’s the most intriguing destination on an otherwise unremarkable voyage.
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