|
|
 |
Regular Columnists |
 |
CD REVIEW: Dion Roy - Gallery
By Chip Withrow - 08/10/2009 - 01:08 PM EDT
Artist: Dion Roy
Album: Gallery
Website: http://www.DionRoy.com
Genre: Folk/Rock/Pop
Sounds Like: Squeeze, Coldplay, Dave Matthews
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 9/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Orchid, Reconsider, Won't Go On
CD Review:
It’s not often that I describe an album as “radio-friendly,” “hit-worthy” or any other similarly hyphenated adjective. But lately I have become enamored of the Starbucks free downloads by the likes of Angus and Julia Stone, M. Ward, and Dave Matthews, and Dion Roy’s intelligently crafted folk-pop compares favorably.
The songs on Roy's Gallery are often layered upon an acoustic guitar canvas, with multi-instrumental textures brushed in and Roy’s clear, rich voice atop it all.
Songs like “Come Back Around, “You Can’t Take,” and the powerful and haunting disc-closing “Orchid” ride propulsive grooves. “Downwards” and “I’ll Never Know” bring to my mind the clever ‘80s band Squeeze. And “Won’t Go On” marries orchestral atmosphere with an anthemic chorus.
The lush, galloping “Reconsider” is a fine showcase for Roy’s singing. It is also enriched, as are several tracks, by keyboard flourishes. His voice also soars on the midtempo gem “So It Goes,” and “Blind World” features striking harmonies. Dion Roy's Gallery has a decidedly modern feel, but it is also plenty appealing to an older folkie-hippie dude like me.
[ Current Articles | Archives ]
|
|
|
|
