Francis Neve - The Second Time We First Met (ALBUM REVIEW)
Monday, 09 August 2010
Written by James Conlon
The Second Time We First Met is the debut release from Francis Neve, an Essex-born singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire. The seven track mini-album covers the lifespan of a relationship, calling together various influences into a melodic and sincere record, full of dark undertones and pent- up intensity.
From the first moments of opening track Brains Drying Up, Neve's intentions are made clear: sparse guitar strokes pave the way for his syncopated drums, creating a sound full of atmosphere and intensity slumbering just beneath the surface. Once his ethereal vocals break into the frame the track takes on something truly original: the emotiveness of Bon Iver side by side with fervent harmonics, echoing back to the days of early Foals. Neve forges traditional songwriting into a sound clearly influenced by the modern rock scene, without abandoning the acoustic tradition altogether.
I Won't Make You Better (the first release from the album), is a triumph from the off: tribal chants provide the ideal backing for a bluesy guitar track. What evolves is a song which mixes catharsis-fuelled bitterness with distinct folk undertones: the perfect setting for Neve's lyrical prowess.
However, there are moments when Neve does miss the mark. Winterbury is probably the weakest track on the album: Neve's vocals take on a brash accent a la Mr. Hudson, leaving the melody which he crafts superbly on the rest of the record by the wayside. That being said, the delicate strokes cast by Lucy Randell's backing vocals add a level of charm to a track which is otherwise forgettable.
Another highlight of the record comes in the form of You Must Be Somewhere. The track places Lo-fi murmurs hand-in hand with haunting whispers of vendetta: "Make no mistake, I'll get you back/ Make no mistake, I'll freak you out". Here Neve really cuts one loose for the first time, as squealing guitars pinch over rampant thumps on the drums. He calls together all of the subtle tones of the record into a forceful and convincing final climax.
The Second Time We First Met is due for release on September 20. Francis Neve is currently mapping out a series of shows across London for August and September.
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However, there are moments when Neve does miss the mark. Winterbury is probably the weakest track on the album: Neve's vocals take on a brash accent a la Mr. Hudson, leaving the melody which he crafts superbly on the rest of the record by the wayside. That being said, the delicate strokes cast by Lucy Randell's backing vocals add a level of charm to a track which is otherwise forgettable.
