SCALA All Over Your Face CD Review
SCALA has impressed me from day one with the high level of musicianship and musicalty of its members. SCALA Steps was a good album. This next venture SCALA All Over Your Face contains quite a different selection of music but is also a very enjoyable album - very 'listenable' if I can create a new word, very 'listenable' indeed.
I must say that I keep calling it "In your face", a North American term and I do struggle to remember the correct title - my apologies, but in fact a good descriptor! The album is 'in your face'. It means 'right there in front of you', 'can't ignore', 'must pay attention' and the like. This album is like that. The songs are well produced, with lots of technical effects, used to advantage and the whole album can be listened to from start to finish, since the order of songs has been well planned - I enjoyed number 15 as much as I enjoyed numbers 1, 2 and 3.
At this point I have to admit that 2 of my favourite SCALA acts and songs are on this CD but I have heard other acts here that I have not yet seen live and, believe me, I will certainly make an effort to go out and see them.
So, to the music. The writers perform the songs, unless shown in parentheses. It goes without saying that this is all original music.
Alicia Berryman and Natalie Brown - End of the Ocean
A winner, with good harmonies, rhythm and just enough ocean. This is a good, steady and catchy song with some interesting special effects. The vocal is strong and clear, we can all relate to 'standing at the edge of the ocean'.
Louise Perryman - Whisper my name (written by Louise with Kere Buchanan)
A very pleasant start, reminds me of "California music', very smooth and melodic. For me it reminds me of the Dooby Brothers, awesome! Pleasant harmonies that you sing along with and a soft vocal that matches the lyrics perfectly. I enjoyed this song very much, my introduction to Louise. If you listen carefully you can hear the album title.
Crying Out Loud - Just One Night (written by Carol Rider and Hudson)
Another strong song with good rhythm and melody. The vocal style fits the song well. I imagine dancing to this song and singing along with the key lines, harmonising and playing air drums (as we do when we're dancing and no one can see us!). Infectious!
Raw Honey - The Ocean (written by Miranda Bradley)
Another ocean song - can't lose! This song has less production than the first few songs, but has depth in the lyrics, which you hear clearly, with very pretty harmonies and key changes. The guitar section in the middle is very pleasant and provides just the right break. I enjoyed this, it is my kind of song - "side by side and hand in hand" - well done.
Ryan Benton - In Ashes
Wow, what a start! Techno music, with melody and taste! Hooked me in right away. The lyrics are clear and good, straight forward, well crafted. This is one that puts a spring in my step whilst walking home from work. The song has a light feel, but the lyrics are on the heavy side for what sounds like a young voice. A good sound, very enjoyable.
Louise Perryman - Stay (written by Louise with Kere Buchanan)
I have found a new SCALA favourite act. This is my kind of music. Louise could have a great EP with these 4 songs. Stay is melodic and haunting with a delightful melody that fits the 'don't leave me' lyrics very well. Patches of well laced harmony to add to the overall sound. This has a very professional sound, very solid.
Gert Admiraal - Don't Give Up
If you have not heard Gert live, you must. In my opinion, he has one of the best voices in SCALA. This song is a favourite with his audiences - a well crafted song with a simple melody and sentiment. The acoustic guitar playing is very solid and has a pretty sound. This is a very romantic song. It begins and ends with applause, a nice touch, shows that SCALA folk sound good live or in the studio.
Raw Honey - Free Me (written by Sue Pratten)
I remember Sue's excitement at winning the 2000 Victor Harbour songwriters' contest and how impressed I was with her song at the 1999 contest, which gained an honorable mention, the first time I had seen her perform. Free me is a steady, memorable song, with good rhythm and well placed harmony, tied together with Sue's clear strong voice.
Gary Stilano - Stop that Man
Great start! This reminds me of Cajun music! (Remember that I work from a Canadian perspective). Cajun music is very catchy, gets you going, great to dance to, all those accordians. Listening to the lyrics - what does the guy have in his hand anyway? Not sure I'd try to 'catch him if you can' - think I'd let that one go!
Whoosh! - Soul Searching (written by Jane-Marie Evans)
Undoubtedly one of my favourite songs. Whoosh! are definitely worth 'catching if you can'. Jane-Marie's songs are beautifully framed with Andrew's musicianship in her live performances. The lyrics of Soul Searching are heart rending but are set in a memorable melody and harmony that take some of the pain away, with an ending that stays with you!
Louise Perryman - Crooked Smile
Here we are at song 11 and still hooked! Louise has a distinctive style and softness that creeps up on you. This song has very nice guitar work and subtle harmonies that support the vocal. This song has high points that just float you away in a balmy Summer evening.
Lime - No Great failure
This has a 'jazzy' feel, with a bit of Sting thrown in, not a bad combination. Again there is a smoothness and slower rhythm that gives an easy listening feel to the song, very pleasant to the ear after a range of different styles. I found this to be melodic and enjoyable. I'd like to hear more from this band.
Vivienne Holloway - As Always
This young woman has taken her success and run with it. Since being the inaugural winner of the Victor Harbour Emerging Songwriters event in 2000, she has released an EP and honed her stage act to a professional level. This acoustic song reminds me of younger audiences, who appreciate a relaxed poetic approach to the lyrics. The song is simply presented, which adds to its appeal. Very well done.
Vesna Malnar - Winter
Back to an upbeat and for me a very a familiar theme, but how can Australians truly write about Winter - do you know what minus 40 feels like!! To me this sounds very warm (and again Californian, like the Mamas and the Papas). I like this bright and breezy approach to Winter. This has a good strong beat, very catchy and a cheery feel, out came the air drums again. I like it a lot. Makes me think the key is to find someone to keep you warm!
Louise Perryman - Come Inside
Another tasteful contribution to this collection. I enjoy listening to good singersongwriters and could easily add a Louise Perryman album to my CD box. Technically, Come Inside is a well written song that has the advantage of being pleasing to listen to. Just a simple little song.
Candice and Nadine Riddell - Never Look Back
Again, it is good to see younger musicians on this album. Each generation definitely has a different feel to their music. This is very appealing, with good harmonies and a fresh feel. A good steady beat and enough guitar to create a nice break. It's always heart rending to hear young people talk about heartbreaking situations The song ends with a very nice touch - you'll have to listen to find out.
James Venardis - In Full Flight
Wow! This to me sounds like 'movie music'. Well worth being placed at the end of a great movie. Yes I'm the one who sits dogedly through all the credits and music, I hate to miss anything good! As a singer/songwriter, I am impressed with folk who can write 'music' without the support of words to distract attention. The music always has to be good, but in these cases, the music has to be good enough to stand alone. In Full Flight is a techno piece, with haunting piano and a theme that gets your heart racing. Edge of your seat stuff!
SCALA All Over Your Face. Listen to this album, you'll be glad you did.
Copyright © Helen R 2002
Adapted from SCALA News # 85 January/February 2002
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