Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
The journey is judged by the beauty and response of its reflection, not by the speed in which it is undertaken. The blur of time is such that we as individuals find that we spend so much of our life trying to understand the appeal of the light, that we forget our presence is often demanded in the Shadowland, the place between darkness and the illuminated, where we can act as guides, as voices of reason to those who have wandered too far into the realm of obscure endings and rattling conclusions.
The Americana is a place in which to allow the senses to revel in this sphere of influential silhouetted thoughts, the clouded domain which once explored pulls you back in time and time again with the pursuit of happiness and melancholy dreams that is arguably found anywhere else; and it is one that is tracked with honour by Johnny Steinberg in his debut album, Shadowland.
The dominion of the melancholic is brought to life stirringly in the shadows, a place which is not here or there, but is instead has its own sense of drama and where the journey undertaken is gloriously mystic and refined; it is a place where songs such as the sobering effect of New York Tooth And Claw, Hey Now Pamela, Dance Away The Darkness and the phenomenal Jesus In The Shades are not only seismic in their interpretation, but they leave a lasting impression on the psyche and soul of the listener.
Joined on the album, whether in the studio or in the territory of the producers chair, by the bearer of musical light in Boo Hewerdine, Chris Pepper, Kira Small, Gustaf Ljungren, Mark Jolley, Kate Heaton, Carol Lee, Philip Lewis-Jones, John Temple, Pat Dam Smith and Ernesto Olivera, Shadowland is, regardless of its apparent sojourn into the heart of mixed light and darkness, one of great brightness, songs that radiate attention, love, the clarification of a person’s soul when they have words to be heard and respected.
An album of intrinsic positivity and graciously adapted ideas, even in the moments of heartfelt grief, there is a dependable air of gravitas waiting to be unleashed. A terrific debut from Johnny Steinberg.
Johnny Steinberg releases Shadowland on July 4th
Ian D. Hall