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M.Ward - Hold Time
There are many elements to M.Ward's songwriting that appeal, but it has always been the American songwriter's warm, melodious vocals that have acted as the strongest beacon. With comparisons to everyone from Tom Waits to Howe Gelb ringing loud, M.Ward's distinctively honeyed range has forever been an alluring bait to attract listeners inside the songwriting realm of this subtle but impressive musician.
Having learnt his trade in the folk clubs of Portland, Oregon, Matt Ward's songwriting has not changed much since his debut album 'Transfiguration of Vincent' stirred the senses of a handful of critics back in 2003. For sure he's spread his wings and experimented with his sound and his creative muse (last year's delicious She & Him album with Zooey Deschanel springs to mind) but he's always remained faithful to a melancholic folk sound enhanced by some choice lyrical interludes.
'Home Time' is a further instalment of this idiosyncratic brand of contemporary folk and it's Ward's most cohesive and engaging collection of songs to date. With 14 songs in total it also doesn't scrimp on the content (as is the case with all of Ward's albums to date). It's a lengthy, winding journey that takes in crumbling melancholy ('Home Time'), giant pop-songs-in-the-waiting ('Save Me') and even the odd Buddy Holly cover for good measure.
As was evident with 2007's 'Post-War' Ward now seems confident enough in his songwriting to really stretch things out and give his rich, insightful lyrics the room they need to breathe. The aforementioned title track is a splendid example of this less-is-more philosophy. Beginning with rich, looping strings it could easily have veered off into the mawkish, but instead Ward grips the reigns, gradually works away the detail and leaves a stark piano ballad that adds weight to Ward's stark, doleful narrative. As far as this critic is concerned it's his career's most poignant moment.
Elsewhere Ward lives up to his billing as one of America's cult songwriting treasures by intricately weaving wildly different guest slots from the likes of Grandaddy's Jason Lyttle and Lucinda Williams into the fabric of the record. The latter's contribution on the intimate country-stung fare of 'Oh, Lonesome Me' is just breath-taking.
As if you'd ever doubt it, 'Home Time' is a considerable work of art. Not only is it an album that will push M.Ward further into the path of mainstream acceptance but it is also a key milestone that will live forever in the memory of his swelling legion of fans.
Official Site: www.mwardmusic.com
Words: Kate Hawton
Having learnt his trade in the folk clubs of Portland, Oregon, Matt Ward's songwriting has not changed much since his debut album 'Transfiguration of Vincent' stirred the senses of a handful of critics back in 2003. For sure he's spread his wings and experimented with his sound and his creative muse (last year's delicious She & Him album with Zooey Deschanel springs to mind) but he's always remained faithful to a melancholic folk sound enhanced by some choice lyrical interludes.
'Home Time' is a further instalment of this idiosyncratic brand of contemporary folk and it's Ward's most cohesive and engaging collection of songs to date. With 14 songs in total it also doesn't scrimp on the content (as is the case with all of Ward's albums to date). It's a lengthy, winding journey that takes in crumbling melancholy ('Home Time'), giant pop-songs-in-the-waiting ('Save Me') and even the odd Buddy Holly cover for good measure.
As was evident with 2007's 'Post-War' Ward now seems confident enough in his songwriting to really stretch things out and give his rich, insightful lyrics the room they need to breathe. The aforementioned title track is a splendid example of this less-is-more philosophy. Beginning with rich, looping strings it could easily have veered off into the mawkish, but instead Ward grips the reigns, gradually works away the detail and leaves a stark piano ballad that adds weight to Ward's stark, doleful narrative. As far as this critic is concerned it's his career's most poignant moment.
Elsewhere Ward lives up to his billing as one of America's cult songwriting treasures by intricately weaving wildly different guest slots from the likes of Grandaddy's Jason Lyttle and Lucinda Williams into the fabric of the record. The latter's contribution on the intimate country-stung fare of 'Oh, Lonesome Me' is just breath-taking.
As if you'd ever doubt it, 'Home Time' is a considerable work of art. Not only is it an album that will push M.Ward further into the path of mainstream acceptance but it is also a key milestone that will live forever in the memory of his swelling legion of fans.
Official Site: www.mwardmusic.com
Words: Kate Hawton
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