Liverpool Sound and Vision 8.5/10
There are times in life when the feeling of the familiar is coupled almost exclusively with the feeling of retro, of returning to a state of mind which not only raises an eyebrow in the way of celebratory congratulations, it also applauds the innocence of the idea in to which the artist has offered up to the audience.
Gavin Sutherland’s idea seems simple, perhaps to some it might even be a strain to which A Curious Noise in the light is to be looked upon as a step backwards, a way of proposing alienation from the abundance of sound that comes through the day in all its shapes, forms and stereophonic magnificence and yet Mr. Sutherland’s idea is one of respect for the medium and the simplicity, the oddity of hearing an album recorded in Mono is one of nostalgia for an age that has been lost, of when music was arguably more individual, private and particularly personal.
A Curious Noise it might be described as, however as the narrative weaves its way through the album, a certain sense of belonging enveloping the music starts to announce itself, it starts the introductions of with pleasantry and a handshake for old-time’s sake. Then with the comfort of the unrushed, the pleasure of the unhurried, it proceeds to drive the listener round old familiar haunts and playgrounds in which the forgotten come alive once more, the body of work being appreciated because it has taken the time out to be different whilst remaining recognisable and a habit worth exploring.
Tracks such as The Sky’s On Fire, Sitting On A Rock, Fourteen Angels and Simple Kindness exemplify this approach by Gavin Sutherland and the range of musicians which include John Wright on drums Cal Damiano on drums and the backing vocals of Debi Doss and Rachael Brown and the beauty of it all, the final thrilling result is one of timeless excellence and simple pleasure.
Mono might be alien to a more discerning audience but there are times in which to step back through the curtain of modern 21st Century life, to see the Wizard for the technology it truly is, is to relish the opportunity of going back to a place of wonder. A Curious Noise indeed but one steeped in beautiful meaning.
Ian D. Hall