Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Striving for perfection is to be lauded, but it is time to admit that it is a curse on the artistic endeavour, it puts the apprentice and the star eyed pupil off as they are not only competing against themselves, but the judgement of the one to whom stands beside them with the large stick of authority relishing the opportunity to install a discipline that becomes a spectre at the feast of enjoyment.
To be Near Perfect is the aim, to create but with the knowledge that a flaw can often stimulate the experience, and like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, what is fashioned is a positive remainder that complete perfection can be a burden, but being incomparable because you acknowledge that you gave it your all but offered something precious in return is just beautiful.
The 19th Street Band return to the listener’s attention with their band new album, the sensationally delivered Near Perfect, and it is one to which Caolaidhe Davis, Meghan Davis, Greg Hardin, and Patty Dougherty add levels of magnetism to the performance that catches the ears and the soul, and the effect it will have on those who fall under the spell of the Americana-gypsy rock portrayed rubbing their hands in glee at the constant engagement that the foursome provide.
Across the tracks Crystal Ball, Promises, New Year’s Special, Livin’ In These Troubled Times and the excellent finale of Whisky Chicken, what becomes evident is the urge to compel the listener to notice that life is a rampaging, but utterly beguiling drama full of vivacious cool that requires attention, that needs to be loved.
The engagement is full of resplendent champagne like moments, it fizzes at a pace that urges the responder to feel their pulse quicken, to feel their soul satisfied, and in the end the gold thread that weaves its way through the sound is one of immeasurable satisfaction.
An album of positive intensity, a sound that drives home the point that perfection is exactly what you present, it is your story, it is your tale told and created, nobody really has the right to question its own authority of pleasure that it offers. Near Perfect…impeccable and unspoiled.
Ian D. Hall