Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
The Tin Man has been left behind, the hero perhaps of his own story and one that he must endeavour to take alone from here on in, however the tale is far from over and as the thoughts of late nights in once smoky rooms, the smell of whisky filters between the vapour inhaled up the nose and the sweet taste as it explodes in the mouth to the tune of four aces being laid down with the approach of a killer hit. Then it could be considered fortunate for the man of tin, for above him, unseen by the players round the table, the clouds turn a deep shade of red, a fire that burns with sincerity opens up and the result is that the Devil Sky has come to light the way.
Following on from 2015’s The Tin Man, Dan Webster’s latest creation, Devil Sky continues the sterling appreciation for the Americana laid down, the scenes of a once unconquerable dream, now kept alive by our memories of what was once, beautiful and untainted, a melting pot of expressions and cool thought; now only the images seem to remain, like Banquo’s Ghost they accuse and rightly condemn, but they also whisper an affection, a greater love and meaning. It is not an album of chiding and rebuking the errant child-like behaviour, it is a holding of hands and reminder that all can be well again, if the right cards are laid out honestly.
The album, which harbours close to its skin the talents of Emily Lawler, Polly Bolton, Rachel Brown, Mark Waters, Yom Hardy and Joshua Burnell alongside Dan Webster and which also features such musicians and backing vocalists as Stuart Allan, Evie Rapson, Danni Nicholls, Bella Glover and Rich Hardcastle is one that glides gently, allowing its subtle tones to carry the message and the means of communication, without tipping the balance superbly into the realm of harassment, a documented album of praise for the genre in difficult times.
Tracks such as Playing Cards & Late Night Bars, Bo, Mary Anne, Freedom In Suburbia and the sensational song Joe all convey that praise and it is one that is heart-felt and assured, the right elements all coming together at the exact time.
An album of great love, Devil Sky is a natural successor to The Tin Man and one that is comfortable in its own gorgeous skin.
Dan Webster’s Devil Sky is released on August 31st via Paper Plane Records.
Ian D. Hall