Bellaunion (label)
04 March 2016 (released)
25 January 2016
Portland in Oregon in the Pacific North West of the USA is famed for rainy days and being in the shadow of great scenery. Perfect frankly for singer-songwriter M Ward to create his “true gotta-stay-indoors during rainy season” records that rise above the gloom to shed a bit of light. His new album, More Rain, released on Bellaunion is no different.
Opening track, Pirate Dial, gets the signature sound going from the get-go with chilled acoustic rhythms carrying the majority of this album through with a real retro twang to accompany it.
“I think one of the biggest mysteries of America right now is this: How are we able to process unending bad news on Page One and then go about our lives the way the Style section portrays us?” says Ward. “There must be a place in our brains that allows us to take a bird’s-eye view of humanity, and I think music is good at helping people—myself included—go to that place.”
Time Won’t Give Up brings in driving guitars to keep the momentum going with tracks like, Little Baby, show off the exquisitely gruff vocal techniques of the solid performer. Track 4, Confession, in particular has a certain retro 60s feel to it and with added brass shows off Ward’s prowess.
This album certainly is a lot livelier than his previous release, A Wasteland Companion, which came out 4 years ago. More Rain offers a lot more expansive sound and shows its roots in the great wilderness of North West America with ethereal sounds pulling it through- real winter afternoon in music. Layering his own voice with impressive self-production techniques the artist offers a lot more than just simple singer-songwriter tunes.
The peak of the album comes from, Girl From Conejo, whose addition of Mandolin neatly creates the album’s best track and shows all of what Ward has to offer.
Some others may know Ward from his work with Jim James and Bright Eyes, others may recognise him from his work with New Girl actress, Zooey Deschanel, whose collaboration as, She & Him, has brought over five albums over the years. However, More Rain offers yet another self-accomplished solo album from a musician brimming with talent.
