Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
There are those who decry the actions of those who look inward for inspiration, using the self to campaign furiously as they focus on how to explain the world and its ever-changing fast history of fiction in a way that honours the truth, the Lessons it teaches us, and the dramas it casts shadows over. To be introspective is to have learned a life lesson, it is an unselfish act so that you might not only become a better person to friends and family, but that you could be the spark that shows others how their place in society works.
When listening to the highly anticipated album from David Luning, Lessons, the listener cannot but help feel to the place where the exploration of the introspective has led, like many others, to see what was remaining after a period of time in which the world was shaken from its apathy, from its ignorance, and the damned complacency in which humanity has grown ever greedy, ever infatuated with its own providence. To feel the thoughtful expose of the Americana brooding and mediative prose is to understand the need for own delve into the mind and heart, the demand to be better is almost communicable…we just need to listen.
Across tracks such as Down Below, Ain’t Easy To Love Me, The Moon Looks Cool Tonight, You Like The Rain, and If I Could Only Get Out Of My Head, what David Luning creates is the urge for potential, not for him, for his place is assured even just three albums is assured, but for those who can feel the electric change, the possibility of contemplation and change is powerful.
As with any great album, it is with how the creatives gel, and whilst billed as a solo album, the inclusion of Linden Reed, Dave Sampson, Alex Leach, Damien Lewis, Dave Zirbel, Doug Stringer, Rebecca Roudman, Tammie Dyer, and Jared Pabilona marks a point of the personal taking hold, like a preacher urging those in the pews to take up the optimism in the form of instrumental drive, the infection of the self-examination is contagious, and each moment is a matter of pride in delivery, but with humility very much at the forefront of the groove that plays.
Time is a double-edged sword, but when it can bring to life something so positive, a piece of art so stable and rounded, then Lessons are always learned, they are grounded, and they are exquisite.
David Luning releases Lessons on 6th September.
Ian D. Hall