A bit different and a bit good was how I described Nielson in my review of his debut album in May 2009. My view has changed slightly with the mellowing of time. He is very close to excitingly brilliant in my eyes nowadays. This second offering has essentially the same band and musicians as on his first offering but Miles seems a bit keener to promote and let us know a bit more about them. I love it all, the sound, the band and the music.
Its a real Americano, country sound. As I mentioned in the earlier review, Tom Petty is very much the sound Im hearing, however it has moved on for me. We have a collection of guitars, organ and a wind section that both inspires and most definitely pleases the listeners ear. As described in the cover notes there is an atmosphere of thick boozy smoke, New Orleans twangs, dancehalls and bars.
I have struggled after playing the album full on for a few days to find a real poor track; I just keep going back for more. Disease is one of the most complex yet simply intriguing tracks Ive heard for a while. Sirens opens like a real classic foot tapping noise that wakes you up and takes a grip. It stands out only just ahead of the others but its the pinnacle; all around it are sound bites, lyrics and classic tunes of hangovers and lost love, relationship and hardship. Maria has real country fairground, fun loving and playful feel, top hats and waistcoats, beer swilling and stubbly beards. Well that is my picture, give it a go. Its a cool sound, clarinets and bassoon on record and a wild string ensemble, changing times. Weaving through key changes, its almost a sound track to a black and white silent movie. Well retro.
The sooner these fellas reach our shores for a few live shows the better. Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts have moved up to the plate, and some. Brilliant!