22nd December, 2007

JUSTIN MICHAEL

Album: Symmetry
Artist: Edwin Derricutt
Year: 2007
Label: Pure/Indie
Enhanced: No

In a word: Colmanesque (no, it’s probably not a word, but it works!)

New Kiwi on the scene, Edwin Derricutt, hits the wider listening audience with his album Symmetry.

The immediate thing most Aussies and Kiwis alike will hear is a sonic reminder of a fella named Colman. From the guitar style to the notes on each song as to which part of the world they were written in. There’s something so familiar about this record; something that might be called acoustic-folk-pop. It’s a welcoming sound that makes this such an easy one to spin.

The arrangements are sparse, the lyrics full of colour and metaphor and Derricutt’s voice could be a mix of Paul Colman, Jack Johnson and Pete Murray.

This is an album for summer evenings. Gentle, sometimes melancholic, but with a hopeful smile always present. Take Waihi: "Have no fear do not run and hide; your memory is still fresh in me warm inside; tears that cross your cheek; we’re finding love so hard to take; you are beautiful and I love you."

There is a self-analysis present in songs such as Cry - "Would you come and find me now/ 'cause my hands appear to be tied / in my darkness and fright / I will cry for you now" - and Cold As Ice - "And, oh, and I’m eager to know what may unfold and what’s yet to be shown / who’ll be holding the strings when we go / and will I have love to show?"

Among the many acoustic-singer-songwriter types about at the moment, one gets the feeling that Derricutt will be one who knows how to hold and audience. This is a great set of well crafted songs with a distinct lack of wasted notes.

You’ll find yourself clapping and humming with the first track and should keep on enjoying it from there. Trust me.