Solace - Xavier Rudd > Reviews > There is Solace amongst the sin

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Not applicable
Value for Money	Satisfactory

Advantages:	compelling listening for Sunday afternoons, lazy barbeques, and rides back from the beach
Disadvantages:	bizarre warble of a voice that may be a deal - breaker for some

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

A quick note before the review:
I am not interested in people leaving a comment telling me how they want this review to look. I am writing a review of my own oppinion, and do not want to write a long winded, self obsessed, hard to read thesis on how the CD lacks spunk and the socio-political reprocussions it may or may not have.
This is a brief overview of an album, or artist, that you may not have heard before, yet have a passing interest in.
Enjoy...

I don't really remember how I came accross Xavier Rudd; his CD just seemed to arrive in my hi-fi one lazy sunday afternoon last summer.
Think Jack Johnson or John Mayer meets a little psychedelic late-era Marley or T-Rex era Bolan. (Indeed Rudd covers "No Woman No Cry". and even does the song justice!)
As a songwriter, Rudd is a spiritual kin to Jack Johnson, Donavon Frankenreiter and Ray LaMontagne; mellow, thought through and well delivered. The island reggae of many tracks is broken by the coffee house blues of some, and the tender accoustic sounds of the latter songs.
As a singer, Rudd uses his man-child screech of a voice to excellent effect. His ability to utilise this immensly unique sound to great effect during the opening tracks leads many to wonder if it is put on or genuine. I don't believe I am overstepping the mark by saying his voice makes some of the songs, and they, inturn, could not be done justice by many other atrists.
The difference between the rather standard-issue and perhaps slightly colorless songs and Rudd's bizarre warble of a voice is immense, and it may well be a deal-breaker for many listeners. If this issue is addressed his follow up effort should be an iconic album within the laid back, easy going, surf orientated scene of the south west

As far as Solace goes those who accustom themselves to his voice might find the album a compelling listen for many Sunday afternoons, lazy barbeques, and rides back from the beach.