Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
We all think we have Time, that when all is said and done we will somehow accomplish everything that we have set out to do, it is a reasonable view, a sense of hope that lifts our spirits when the dark comes calling at night, that we can reach for the pen and sign our names across the balance sheet, saying job complete.
Life is not always as neat and tidy as the romantics would have you believe, far too often we say goodbye to those friends and loved ones who find themselves approaching their Swan Song without realising it, that the entity in the fedora hat and black trench-coat that whistles gently as it places a shadow like hand over you, only ever get to say goodbye knowing they have left with so much to do and say.
Featuring the vocals of Capercaillie’s outstanding front-woman, Karen Matheson, Swan Song is Gary Innes’ powerful journey into what could be considered privilege felt when attending to the final spoken thoughts of those who are coming to the end of their time.
It is in the emotional farewell that such memories are framed, the passing of all that particular person had achieved and all that they wish they had attempted and added to life’s resume, it is then up to the patient listener to convey the meaning of the regret, of the remaining passion and take it forward, perhaps adding those missed opportunities to their own relished self-promises.
Swan Song is not only beautiful, you would after all not expect anything less from the two performers involved, but it is majestically haunting, it is a rare piece of music that attempts and succeeds in capturing the image of honour, whilst at all times framing the sympathy required of the pain faced of those not ready to attend their final moments.
A song that is heartfelt and grounded in the sincerity to its nature is required listening, a single penned in the response to heartache will always sound authentic and driven, Gary Innes does the memory of all who left too early, proud.
Gary Innes, featuring Karen Matheson, releases the single Swan Song on January 18th. Gary Innes will be releasing his new album, Immanent, on February 15th.
Ian D. Hall