I've always found Richard Hawley a little confusing. I've seen him live a couple of times, supporting other bands, and he has a terrific sense of humour and is an engaging and entertaining character. This has never, for me, come across in his music which, certainly in the case of his last two records, has sounded overly sentimental with his deep croon sounding ever so slightly mannered. I always wondered if he had worked so hard to cultivate an image that he didn't really 'mean it' anymore.
His new album is certainly a change of direction from the dull 'Lady's Bridge' which seemed to be a poor attempted re-write of 'Coles Corner'. This time the songs are longer, the subject matter is darker and for the most part, this works well.
The songs are drawn out and unhurried. Musically the record is very low key with an emphasis on atmospherics and this suits Hawley's voice well allowing him to unravel some memorable vocal melodies. Opener 'As The Dawn Breaks' for example is gentle and understated but with a haunting vocal that sticks in the mind.
Elsewhere, songs like 'Open Up Your Door' are more familiar retro-style Hawley pieces with plenty of guitars and subtle but uplifting strings. The undoubted highlight though is 'For Your Lover Give Some Time', a perfectly executed love song for Hawley's wife, full of evocative imagery, sung quite beautifully and always reigned in, so never sounding too overblown.
Some of the songs here are a little too long and there is something of a lack of variety, but that is maybe the point. It sounds like Hawley has made the album he wanted to make here, without compromise. It is an old style record full of tasteful and subtle ballads, dark but comforting, perfect for the Winter nights ahead.
7.4
['Truelove's Gutter' is out now on Mute. Hawley is currently touring the UK]
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