Release date: 2nd November 2018
London based singer/songwriter/folk rock troubadour Dave Giles had a dream. That dream was to record his second album in Nashville. Through natural talent, tea, sheer hard work, and the help of his super loyal fan base that dream became a reality, and the result is Tennessee and 48th. This 10 track album was recorded directly to tape by Dave and his all star band featuring members of Candlebox and Skillet, and was ably produced by Dean Dichoso.
The sound is somewhat difficult to pigeonhole, with each song bringing something else to the table. Opening track Child Again contains some beautiful melodies and slide guitar, and Whiskey and Daffodils is another delicate song, full of gorgeous vocal melodies. Meanwhile, Shoebox is a cracker with a chorus that keeps on giving.
Lead single Taken Too Soon, a heart wrenching tale of loss, is beautiful, thought provoking and touching, and is a definite stand out track for me. No One Knows is an epic, sweeping number with an incredibly passionate vocal from Dave. However my favourite track right now (although it has changed 5 times during the time I’ve been making notes for this review!) is Devil In A Green Dress, which is an upbeat, joyous celebration of women, and all that they bring.
Sonically the album sounds amazing. Each musician is performing at the top of their respective games, but it’s the songs that really set this apart. They have a way of really working their way into the section of the brain that is in charge of humming, and singing random parts of songs out of nowhere, and then they stick there like the understated genius they are, getting better with each and every listen.
I’m not really one to use comparisons that much, as it might prevent you checking Dave out if you don’t like the comparison artist, but I definitely get touches of Ryan Adams, Frank Turner and Butch Walker (all artists I personally love) but if they are not your bag I would still recommend you checking this album out if you like well written songs, excellent lyrics, and the authentic and organic sound of real, actual music.
10/10
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