Harmony James - Handfuls of Sky (26/02/2012)
Harmony James’ new album, Handfuls of Sky, is exactly what you expect you hear in a country album for the most part. There are some amazing songs and some that do not do much for the album. Listening to the album brings up a mental image of driving through fields in a truck singing a-long or a hot day sipping lemonade. It is a bit stereotypical but in a good way.
Don’t Say It has the classic guitar and twangy voice definitely there and it is very lovely! It was not a strong enough opening track though, it began well but then levelled out fairly quickly. The second song, Emmylou’s Guitar, has an amazing instrumental accompaniment; I don’t know the particulars of the instruments but they complement the track and album well. They bring out some fun in the album and give an unexpected ‘twang’ to the track.
The harmony in Flying to Close to the Sun became overused pretty quickly as what sounded like a short pattern repeated over and over again. The song is pleasant otherwise and definitely suited to a smooth country album. The Italian esque banjo picks add a bit of flavour to the album and track and made the song overall quite good.
Fires of Hell opens well; it is something different on the album. There is an energy of expectation which is let down a bit by the introduction of the voice. The song is about innocence and sin and is intriguing to listen to. After the first part of the track the song picks up and microphone effects give the song an edgy feeling. The chorus is made to sing-a-long to and the song overall is quite fun. Definitely a stand out track on the album, this would have made a great opening track.
Hauling Cane was immediately comforting upon the first few notes. The harmonica is used to open the track and just gives a great touch to the song. It’s a ballad, its soaked in romantic feeling and calls for a smile. The male back-up voice creates a good harmony and adds to the depth of the song. Roll With It is one of the best tracks of the album; it is pleasant and enjoyable and flows without being boring. Finishing out the album is The Girl You See. It is a song reminiscent and full of love. James’ voice stays strong and pure throughout the track and ends the album on a note of beauty.
This album is definitely two-sided. A few of the tracks are a bit similar and boring but the second half of the album is just great to listen to. Instrumentally the album is an absolute treat, together with James’ voice the album becomes a pleasant and joyful listen.
Casey Cunningham
Don’t Say It has the classic guitar and twangy voice definitely there and it is very lovely! It was not a strong enough opening track though, it began well but then levelled out fairly quickly. The second song, Emmylou’s Guitar, has an amazing instrumental accompaniment; I don’t know the particulars of the instruments but they complement the track and album well. They bring out some fun in the album and give an unexpected ‘twang’ to the track.
The harmony in Flying to Close to the Sun became overused pretty quickly as what sounded like a short pattern repeated over and over again. The song is pleasant otherwise and definitely suited to a smooth country album. The Italian esque banjo picks add a bit of flavour to the album and track and made the song overall quite good.
Fires of Hell opens well; it is something different on the album. There is an energy of expectation which is let down a bit by the introduction of the voice. The song is about innocence and sin and is intriguing to listen to. After the first part of the track the song picks up and microphone effects give the song an edgy feeling. The chorus is made to sing-a-long to and the song overall is quite fun. Definitely a stand out track on the album, this would have made a great opening track.
Hauling Cane was immediately comforting upon the first few notes. The harmonica is used to open the track and just gives a great touch to the song. It’s a ballad, its soaked in romantic feeling and calls for a smile. The male back-up voice creates a good harmony and adds to the depth of the song. Roll With It is one of the best tracks of the album; it is pleasant and enjoyable and flows without being boring. Finishing out the album is The Girl You See. It is a song reminiscent and full of love. James’ voice stays strong and pure throughout the track and ends the album on a note of beauty.
This album is definitely two-sided. A few of the tracks are a bit similar and boring but the second half of the album is just great to listen to. Instrumentally the album is an absolute treat, together with James’ voice the album becomes a pleasant and joyful listen.
Casey Cunningham