Spiritual Harmony - Harvey Summers

Advantages: A musically original and distinctive record
Disadvantages: maybe too much vocal distortion at times

...effective drum pattern holds things together and gives the track a late-night, shadowy groove. The mood changes radically with the more up-tempo (musically at least) “C’Mon Billy” – a song about a man leaving his child-baring lover to fend for herself in the big, bad world. Harvey’s clanging acoustic guitar and her more expressive and singy vocal, are starkly at odds with the fuzzy, distortion that smother much of the album in a dark, musical fog. Harvey intriguingly sings; “Don’t forget me I had your son Damn thing went crazy But I swear you’re the only one” “Teclo” is a highly original, yet gloomy piece, which explores notions of grieving and spirituality. Much of Harvey’s work hints at interests in the unknown and forces beyond our control – however always in a subtle, yet suggestive way. A rhythm guitar and organ are Harvey’s only... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: The first half of the album
Disadvantages: The second half borders on dire!

.... At the time, they were nominated for The Mercury Music Prize, but they were beaten by PJ Harvey, and what was I have to admit the best album of her career with 'Songs From The City, Stories From The Sea'. This album is all about spiritualism, and how the pairing are convinced that we are all spiritually united, whilst being quick to point out that they do not mean in a religious sense, although they refused to expand any further, and the explanation feels very vague, but maybe that is deliberate, as the band want you to have your own interpretation of their music. So what about the music? Well, the album opens up with 'Blue Song', and it certainly sets out their stall in terms of approach with their follow up album. Previously, their sound has been very much guitars and vocals, giving an overall acoustic feel, but this time there is the inclusion... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: The first half
Disadvantages: The second half

..., but they were beaten by PJ Harvey, and what was I have to admit the best album of her career with 'Songs From The City, Stories From The Sea'. This album is all about spiritualism, and how the pairing are convinced that we are all spiritually united, whilst being quick to point out that they do not mean in a religious sense, although they refused to expand any further, and the explanation feels very vague, but maybe that is deliberate, as the band want you to have your own interpretation of their music. So what about the music? Well, the album opens up with 'Blue Song', and it certainly sets out their stall in terms of approach with their follow up album. Previously, their sound has been very much guitars and vocals, giving an overall acoustic feel, but this time there is the inclusion of other instruments, and most notably on this track, drums... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful