Edward Guglielmino and the Show – Sunshine State (13/06/2012)
Sunshine State, the second full-length album from Edward Guglielmino and the Show follows in the highly successful footsteps of their debut solo release in 2009. It is clear from the first track that this album is 100% Edward’s vision with backing help from a host of friends, collectively known as The Show.
Moving on from his previous works, Sunshine State reflects a mature and more collected side of Edward’s music. He leaves behind his 80s pop beginnings and this album plays with a mellowed out sound that has been missing from Edward’s work. Despite heading into a different style from his earlier work, this album highlights Edward’s charm and charismatic personality as well as his knack for writing memorable songs.
The album opens with Mothers, one of the more subdued tracks, that encapsulates the experimental tone explored throughout the album. The mix of trumpet and percussion instruments fit perfectly with Edward’s signature baritone croon and works to create an uplifting melody even through the subdued style of the song. The following track, Walking My Way, features a more stripped down sound, with a dream-like quality to it and a gothic-folk thread woven through the melody and built through the vocals and violin and cello harmonies.
Swam In The Water is a gospel inspired track that draws from soul and early rock with its electrifying guitar riffs and driving drums. Despite its seemingly irreconcilable difference to the earlier songs, the gentle opening and subtle build of the instrumentals throughout the song blend with the rest of the album. Old Fire, and the later track Alice In Wonder, continue Edward’s exploration of early rock influences with a raw sound carried on heavy guitar riffs and the rough edge of Edward’s vocals.
The following track, Healthy, captures Edward’s growing confidence and maturity with only light guitar notes playing under the strength of his vocals. Perhaps heading back to his older sound, You’ll Be The Death Of Me works with a more upbeat pop sound, playing as a catchy, Arcade Fire-esque dittie. In The Morning’s baroque-pop style is carried through with the soprano edge of Edward’s vocals and the harmonies created with Kristy Tickle’s backing vocals, as well as the intricate musical arrangement featuring clarinet, cello and trumpet over a restrained drum track.
Grace Under Fire highlights Edward’s exploration of unique musical styles, with the inclusion of a bowed guitar and surprisingly a saw along with rattles and percussion sticks to create a spiritual track. The final track, Mary, sees Edward head back to his signature style with his passionate vocals and a strong guitar track creating a simple but highly emotional conclusion to Sunshine State.
Overall, it has been a pleasure to hear Edward Guglielmino and The Show’s new album Sunshine State. As a solo work, Edward has shown a great leap forward in his move from light-hearted 80s pop to an emotional and mellowed out album. Throughout each song, Edward’s charming personality and passion for his music is highlighted along with his awe-inspiring vocal abilities, leaving us with a unique and incredibly charismatic album.
Bethany Williams
Moving on from his previous works, Sunshine State reflects a mature and more collected side of Edward’s music. He leaves behind his 80s pop beginnings and this album plays with a mellowed out sound that has been missing from Edward’s work. Despite heading into a different style from his earlier work, this album highlights Edward’s charm and charismatic personality as well as his knack for writing memorable songs.
The album opens with Mothers, one of the more subdued tracks, that encapsulates the experimental tone explored throughout the album. The mix of trumpet and percussion instruments fit perfectly with Edward’s signature baritone croon and works to create an uplifting melody even through the subdued style of the song. The following track, Walking My Way, features a more stripped down sound, with a dream-like quality to it and a gothic-folk thread woven through the melody and built through the vocals and violin and cello harmonies.
Swam In The Water is a gospel inspired track that draws from soul and early rock with its electrifying guitar riffs and driving drums. Despite its seemingly irreconcilable difference to the earlier songs, the gentle opening and subtle build of the instrumentals throughout the song blend with the rest of the album. Old Fire, and the later track Alice In Wonder, continue Edward’s exploration of early rock influences with a raw sound carried on heavy guitar riffs and the rough edge of Edward’s vocals.
The following track, Healthy, captures Edward’s growing confidence and maturity with only light guitar notes playing under the strength of his vocals. Perhaps heading back to his older sound, You’ll Be The Death Of Me works with a more upbeat pop sound, playing as a catchy, Arcade Fire-esque dittie. In The Morning’s baroque-pop style is carried through with the soprano edge of Edward’s vocals and the harmonies created with Kristy Tickle’s backing vocals, as well as the intricate musical arrangement featuring clarinet, cello and trumpet over a restrained drum track.
Grace Under Fire highlights Edward’s exploration of unique musical styles, with the inclusion of a bowed guitar and surprisingly a saw along with rattles and percussion sticks to create a spiritual track. The final track, Mary, sees Edward head back to his signature style with his passionate vocals and a strong guitar track creating a simple but highly emotional conclusion to Sunshine State.
Overall, it has been a pleasure to hear Edward Guglielmino and The Show’s new album Sunshine State. As a solo work, Edward has shown a great leap forward in his move from light-hearted 80s pop to an emotional and mellowed out album. Throughout each song, Edward’s charming personality and passion for his music is highlighted along with his awe-inspiring vocal abilities, leaving us with a unique and incredibly charismatic album.
Bethany Williams