Experienced songwriter finds some time to himself.
The Broken Records frontman’s second solo album was recorded at the Slate Room Studios in Edinburgh. AUK promoted the lead single ‘Start Again’ back in June. Some old acquaintances on the record are producer Garry Boyle and Tony Doogan at the mixing desk. Backing comes from his Broken Records bandmates.
‘Start Again’ is an enjoyable opening track but the Greenwich Village harmonica is incongruous and unnecessary. However, there are some splendid lines such as “We could drink for days/ Cause we’re scared of growing old” and the wonderful “He punched the clock at the doorway of love”. Hope springs eternal. ‘Like You Did Before’ sounds regretful with a distant nod to messrs Kerr and Burchill. A standout track is the second single, ‘Some Things Hurt a Little More’, a track about acceptance that includes some lovely guitar and piano playing. ‘You Were My Friend’ is pretty much self-explanatory. It is heartfelt but the harmonica makes another unwanted appearance. On the other hand there is the fine folk-tinged ‘While I Sleep’. Again, there’s some lovely piano playing on this track, the lyrics implying that there can be a shelf-life to love: “I dropped your clothes at your front door/ And left before it all became too real”.
Sutherland is from the Moray Firth and ‘Always Be’ pays homage to the area. It successfully avoids the shortbread-tin-view of home. The track could accompany any contemporary drone footage of the landscape and the people. There’s bucket-loads of melancholy in ‘All You’ve Ever Known of Love’. The heartbreaking realisation that the one you love, loves another, the harmonious sound this time jarred by some noticeable fret noises. The title track is a worrier (the harmonica is back) but accompanied by a very enjoyable train beat. The final track is ‘We Will Rise’ returning with optimistic piano chords and an orchestral feel.
Sutherland says he wanted to write a collection of songs with the focus on the melody and lyrics. On most tracks, Sutherland has competently left room for the melodies to stand out, while nuance seems to have become an old acquaintance.
