SPAIN - Sargent Place

Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Rock | Heft: Jahrgang 2014, eclipsed Nr. 158 / 3-2014 | VÖ-Jahr: 2014 | Wertung: 6/10 | Label: Glitterhouse | Autor: SaS


Spain is the project of the American Josh Haden, with whom he has released numerous albums since 1995 with a changing line-up. Despite excellent reviews for their first two records, Spain remained at best a secret tip, perhaps even the best kept secret of Indierock ever. "Sargent Place", named after the studio of star producer Gus Seyffert, where the album was recorded, is supposed to change this, especially as it was mixed by Darrell Thorpe, whose clientele includes Radiohead and Paul McCartney. However, this album also reveals Josh Haden's big problem: the arbitrariness of his songs, which always strive for emotional depth, but too often and inexplicably remain on the surface. The arrangements often seem to be endeavoured, but uninspired, to smooth the compositions too much. So "Sargent Place" is also a collection of passable songs, but they never reach the high level of emotionality that Haden strives for.

Top track: Sunday Morning

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