Voices From The Ocean Road
Voices From The Ocean Road by Pete Lashley
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Voices From The Ocean Road
By
Pete Lashley |
It was only when I studied Pete Lashley's MySpace biography that I realised the artist was British; prior to this discovery, listening to Voices From The Ocean Road had led me to believe that Lashley was Australian born. Perhaps the sleeve notes explaining the music's Australian influences played a part in my naive assumption, but most of all I think it was the uncanny resemblance between Lashley's vocals and those of Australia's own Tim and Neil Finn -- Lashley has mastered the same vocal clarity and compassionate sound that is associated with the Finn brothers. By listening to the track 'Mountain Holiday' it might be believed that Lashley could actually be the third Finn brother or if one didn't know any better that the track had actually been written and recorded by either one of the Finn brothers. Even if it isn't Lashley's intention, or even if he doesn't list the Finn brothers as one of his inspirations, the likeness between the them isn't a bad thing -- far from it. As is the Finn brothers' music, Lashley's music is easy listening, un-intimidating, enjoyable and has its very own soothing quality.
Lyrically, Voices From The Ocean Road is genius song-writing of the highest quality, each track telling of its own mini story. 'It All Comes Round' and 'Will You Offer Me Your Hand' are love songs of great beauty. The album is of definite acoustic quality, made all the more wholesome by the fact that the majority of vocals and instrumental sounds are created by the songwriter himself, making the album an all-round gem of musicianship, but also highlighting Lashley as the outstanding acoustic talent that he so clearly is.
Fans of Crowded House will definitely appreciate Lashley's music. Even if they try not to, they will be mesmerised by the same soothing clarity and astounded by the similar lyrical qualities. People who appreciate high quality acoustic music will also be taken in by Pete Lashley, as was I. Voices From The Ocean Road is certainly an album that is worthy of many more listening sessions, as unlike much of the acoustic music on the scene at present, this album needs undivided attention, being worthy of much more than being background music. Buy, sit, listen, concentrate... and enjoy!
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Written by: Ruth Palmer
On the 6-Jan-2009