Album Reviews
Dark Water - fresh, different and rather good (November 12, 2009)
Just listened to a new album called ‘Dark Water’ from Gary
Fulton – it’s fresh, different and rather good. There’s a quality about his slightly
nasal voice and country-acoustic style that engages immediately. There’s also a
slight suggestion in his tone that echoes many voices – perhaps a touch of
Robin Williams - even so this is an album of its own calibre.
The themes range from enquiring and promising to accusing
and longing. Each makes a statement of intent for Gary as a songwriter. High
points include the bouncy ‘Sunshine’ - a short sweet and to-the-point love song.
‘Which Way Will the Wind Blow’ an immediately appealing song that has a feel of
long ago and far away. It builds into a strong tune with flowing cello and spot-on
backing vocals. ‘Swept through the room
with my dust ridden broom’ announces Lonesome Traveller’ with a pronounced country
edge to it – loved the
 lyrics (listen to them) and the sorrowful harmonica. ‘Someone
Like You’ and ‘Marbury Lady’ both continue the poetic lyricist style – really,
you have to listen to words because they’re worth your attention. ‘Underneath a
Different Sky’ is another love song that works its magic well enough to reach
the hardest heart. ‘Treason and Plot’ – my favourite song - is a story-telling
folk song that’s does exactly what it says.
Gary’s songs tell personal stories and reflect one man’s
world view but any introspection is never maudlin and it’s easy to relate to the
themes. One point – those lyrics deserve to be on the album cover – next time
perhaps.
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