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Adrian Crowley, "When You Are Here You Are Family"
Fans of Nick Drake rejoice: there is an heir apparent to the throne.Not a true heir, to be sure, but one of such promise that everyoneshould pay attention to his words and melodies as they're sure toimprove over time. Adrian Crowley's sophomore release, "Family" markshis domestic debut thanks to Ba Da Bing! Records, who will also releasehis debut record "A Strange Kind" later this year.
And what a findCrowley is. First, he fits in nicely with the other artists on Ba DaBing!, as his releases are understated, small enesemble affairs (thistime it is Kate Ellis on cello and Thomas "Hulk" Haugh on drums).Secondly, he gains serious cred on "Family" through the production workof Steve Albini, who, thankfully, just lets the music speak foritself—mostly. Lastly, there are so many flavors here that fans ofBonnie Prince Billy, Red House Painters, Badly Drawn Boy, and theaforementioned Drake will all find something to pique their interests.In fact, if there's any complaint about "Family," it's that some of itsounds almost too much like other artists. The chiming, faded guitar,solemn piano and cello with very simple drumming are very much WillOldham in nature, and Crowley's voice is an interesting mix of MarkKozelek, Oldham, and Drake. It's the melodies and lyrics that setCrowley apart, and show immense promise for his future. Somewhatunfortunately, the next release US audiences will hear is actually hispast, but if it's even a shadow of this it should be a lovely listen. Ilook forward to his next studio release as well as an American toursometime in the near future (I hope). -
And what a findCrowley is. First, he fits in nicely with the other artists on Ba DaBing!, as his releases are understated, small enesemble affairs (thistime it is Kate Ellis on cello and Thomas "Hulk" Haugh on drums).Secondly, he gains serious cred on "Family" through the production workof Steve Albini, who, thankfully, just lets the music speak foritself—mostly. Lastly, there are so many flavors here that fans ofBonnie Prince Billy, Red House Painters, Badly Drawn Boy, and theaforementioned Drake will all find something to pique their interests.In fact, if there's any complaint about "Family," it's that some of itsounds almost too much like other artists. The chiming, faded guitar,solemn piano and cello with very simple drumming are very much WillOldham in nature, and Crowley's voice is an interesting mix of MarkKozelek, Oldham, and Drake. It's the melodies and lyrics that setCrowley apart, and show immense promise for his future. Somewhatunfortunately, the next release US audiences will hear is actually hispast, but if it's even a shadow of this it should be a lovely listen. Ilook forward to his next studio release as well as an American toursometime in the near future (I hope). - samples:
