Luke Leighfield
Photo: Tom Price link
New Season - Luke Leighfield Album Review
Album Review
My first encounter of Luke Leighfield's music was at the age of 16 when he visited the Dorset coastal town I spent part of my teenhood in, which just so happens to be a dive. Alas, such a visit was a rare treat in a town devoid of any culture. It has been a great treat watching Luke's music evolve throughout the years, as well as his popularity overseas. Still as unconventional as ever, playing gigs in places as varied as: people's living rooms or touring China and Russia. 'New Seasons' is the next step on the road towards (if there is any justice) world domination.
The production is grander and there is a definite Ben Folds feel towards 'New Season', but it is very much its own album. Starting with a sombre piano on the opening track 'Slow Down' a crescendo hits you out of nowhere with a bevy of guitars and drums in the midst of lyrics full of hurt and angst.
The album as a whole is one of heartfelt angst and the sweeping soundscapes that accompany the songs add a further, more complete dimension, giving them an almost grandiose sound, which does not take away from Leighfield's piano playing remaining centre-stage throughout.
This is especially true on the stand out track 'Garde Ta Foy', which is complete with horns and harmonies to boot and exercises every characteristic of the album, Leighfield's most complete track.
Another album standout is 'Whispering', a largely solo piano ballad, providing Leighfield to the listener at his emotionally rawest, a song of optimism complete with a solemn piano accompaniment, but it works and the four-minute song seems to pass you by in half the time.
Luke Leighfield is definitely the most understated artist out there not to be in the conscience of the mainstream, but his time is coming and rightly so. 'New Season' is an album of wonderful power-pop joyfulness and if this album does not bring Leighfield the success he deserves then the music industry is broken beyond repair.
