My first album review of the year. I previously discussed Clare based David Hope and his back catalogue just before Christmas (that's here if you're curious). Today I review and discuss his second full album titled "Scarecrow".
Though similar to his first album ("A Picture") in some ways, mixing both roots, folk and up-tempo americana styles, the second album has both a more mature air as well as feeling a more polished affair. Some of the tracks such as the album opener "Hell or High Water" and foot-tapin' friendly "Cloak And Daggers" have already featured on previous e.p. releases by David. The album was partly produced by Declan Sinnott (Christy Moore, Mary Black, Francis Black) though I believe you can feel his influence through more of the album. While song of the songs can be classed as rhythm heavy americana genre pieces (e.g. Scarecrow) and some as folk reflective tracks (e.g. Flow), some are a attempt at a merge between the styles from either side of the Atlantic. A song like "Cloak and Daggers" for example. Utilising both the bazouki as part of the rhythem section with the dobro featuring on lead, the song offers an intriguing prospect on how these transatlantic genres can work together.
It's the more shuffly upbeat tracks that are my favourites on the album. With some fine supporting musicians in the shape of Hendchmen Eoin Jordan and David Murphy, these more aggressive tracks manage to both excite and get under ones skin. David's raspy vocal on tracks like "Fall and Rise" and "Scarecrow" add that bit of life experience to the lyrics. The louring sounding title track is a case in point. Beginning as slow tale of a creature with "a broom for a backbone", slowly the constant dark, drum rhythm takes hold. With occasional reverb heavy, spaghetti western-esq guitar licks, accomping those angry lyrics, the song finally ascends into a rapid paced finale.
The closing "Somebody Else's Mind" is what might be assumed to be David Hope's signature sound and what he is best know for;; folk-tinged mellow timbre with captivating words. An affecting closer for the album.
Blending influences from americana, folk and traditional Irish, the songs work as a collective with the balance between the fast-paced and dulcet songs showcasing David's skill as a songwriter and ease with either an accomplished band or simply the acoustic guitar. A solid (and maybe the first true)contribution to the Irish-americana genre.
David is currently on tour in support of the album. You can find more information on his Facebook page. To purchase the album, check out Bandcamp and Itunes.
Photo: David Hope/Bandcamp
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