 | | Reviews | | |  e2K
If Not Now
Topic TSCD 538
Tetchy ennui clouding your day? Then this doctor prescribes a shot of calypso-celtic-jazzy eclecticism from e2K. The band, evolving early in the new millennium from the charred fragments of Edward II, follows up 2001's Shift with this new set, as arresting as before and glistening with textural finesse.
The songs are mixed with super-modern rhythms and spacious grooves and given a resonance by Kellie While's lead vocals. She's absorbed a thing or two from mum Chris, with her timing and tonal variations only adding to the jazz/folk vibe. The voice itself has real range, from smoky whispering to a warm, mature intimacy and with a touch of African palm wine guitar, more than a dash of trad. arr. and a soupçon of world exotica, this package is as fetching as it is infectious.
Neil Yates' pristine trumpet and whistle notes cascading over a fluent back-line of drums (Paul Francis) and sinuous bass (Neil Fairclough) are allied to a set of intelligent, punchy songwriterly moments, primarily from Jon Moore. The sprightly Come And Join Us kicks off with an almost Lionel Richie urge to get down and hit the street!
Standouts include a slavery-slanted take on the partner-waiting-on-dockside scenario of St. George's Quay and the gorgeous A Lullaby For Everyone - plenty of rest, as Dylan said, is to be recommended!
Because it's so hard to pigeonhole effectively, goodness knows where HMV will rack this quite delightful and unusually good blur of musical styles. Whilst the lyrical content isn't thought-provokingly heavy, here the overall sound is so seductive that it doesn't matter if it isn't taking you down any particular road.
Clive Pownceby - October 2003
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Folk & Acoustic
