Paul Dempsey - Everything is True
Rating
RIYL
Grizzly BearEels
Josh Pyke
Release Date
08/18/2009
Label
Capitol RecordsTracklist
1. Bats2. Fast Friends
3. Out The Airlock
4. Ramona Was A Waitress
5. Take Us To Your Leader
6. Bird In A Basement
7. Theme From A Nice Guy
8. Have You Fallen Out Of Love?
9. The Great Optimist
10.Safety In Numbness
11. Man Of The Moment
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I wish I could say I know the American reaction to Paul Dempsey is just as inspired as in Australia. The truth is I have no idea how he is received there, but given that as I write this he is probably at sound check for a free gig in New York City, it isn't as favorable as I’d like to see it. Hopefully the release of his debut solo album Everything is True can arouse the interest of punters and perhaps even garner the cult following he enjoys at home in Australia. Because the truth is, for the better part of the last two decades, Dempsey has penned and crafted songs worthy of an audience far broader than we here can provide. Since Something for Kate was signed to Sony in 1994, when Dempsey was only 17, he has since fronted the band through six albums and multi-platinum sales for more than a decade, garnering 11 Australian Recording Industry Award nominations (Arias) in the process. The process for Everything is True began in 2007, and through tours for Something for Kate, he wrote and began recording his solo debut, which by all accounts is simply another inspired release from one of Australia’s most enduring songwriters. It was released in Australia in August 2009, but I hope this review isn't the first the Decoy crowd have heard of it.
The reference in the RIYL to Eels is not so much in musical style, but in where the Dempsey’s inspiration stems. Having suffered from clinical depression and severe bouts of writer’s block over the years, the lyrics often draw from dark observations of events, even if the events themselves aren’t so sombre. However, it is the lyrics that remain the drawcard for his particular brand of alternative folk rock. Album opener "Bats" attests to this as the building pre-chorus declares, “Those average angels / the drunken saints with heavy heads / you see their spirits are cowering under the table / and they’re still counting / counting the breaths under their breaths.”
Throughout the album Dempsey’s tenor intimates to the listener a career of successful suffering, not carrying his heart on his sleeve so much, but in his voice. Every now and then, however, as in the chorus of "Bats" and the bridge of "Have You Fallen Out of Love?" he displays a vocal precision and range rarely found. Wikipedia says it's perfect pitch; Dempsey says it's practice. In any case, it’s a damned impressive falsetto.
There are none of your producer-heavy album tricks on Everything is True; no obvious sequencing or pacing, and no closer secret tracks. For what it, in this hyperbole heavy review, the album is a compilation of 11 simply great tracks, from simple acoustic ballads to the deceptively technical rock tracks. Here and there is a damn catchy riff ("Out the Airlock") or a well placed "La de da” ("Theme From a Nice Guy"), but they’re effective in their subtlety. If you’re in the US, as Paul does the club scene solo, make sure to check him out. You’ll rarely have the opportunity to see quality Australian music dripping history, and be so simple in its brilliance.
--Sandy Powell
Comments
Baton Rouge
Dude, this is good stuff. That Grizzly Bear RIYL kind of freaked me out (because they put me to sleep), but this is really lively stuff. The more upbeat parts kind of have a 90's alternative feel, albeit with a modern take. Since this is actually good, though, I am quite doubtful this will take off in America.
Boobs
http://thenicsperiment.blogspot.com/
Spokane, Washington
very impressive stuff! reminds me, in a very subtle way, of my favorite acoustic/folk artist rocky votolato.
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