Ian David Green – Songs of the Sea
Independent – February 2021
Songs of the Sea, folk indie troubadour Ian David Green’s debut album and follow-up to his 2019 EP Songs of the Electric Night, is a pleasing and engaging release. A tribute to his late father the album explores, to quote, ‘the foundations of what makes us who we are – memory, identity, our bonds with others – and describes with deep sensitivity a journey of letting go the things that we build and would wish to keep.’
The eleven tracks on the album, all self-penned, explore such narratives with a developing confidence which demonstrates Green’s burgeoning talent as a songwriter. Now living in London, Green’s Liverpudlian roots instils in him a fine ear for a song; his writing betrays a keen ear for pop-tinged melody whilst, at their best, his messages are lyrical, personal, and thoroughly earnest.
Oh Beautiful Heart opens the album with some nice folk-rock inspired guitar and harmonica before Green’s idiosyncratic voice sweeps into play. It’s a rather sweet, soft voice, which reinforces the tenderness and simple, but romantic, message of the track.
Born Under A Northern Light is the closest Green gets to politics and social commentary. ‘Remember to stand tall when we send you over the top’ he sings before the refrain ‘You may think me below your high philosophy…. But you were not born under a northern light.’ It’s a neat little track, with some jazz inspired guitar and pipes flavours with a theme on resilience and strength.
With such a title for the album it is natural that songs relating to the sea come into play. Titles such as ‘Submarines’, ‘Tides’, ‘Sailboats’ and ‘Tall Ships’ populate. A nod to Green’s background but a useful theme to explore narratives on life, change and journeys generally. ‘Tall Ships’ is a fun track, celebrating the arrival of ships in Liverpool’s docks. A song about colour, childhood, and play. Swiftly followed by ‘Compasses’, a more mellow and mature track which highlights, as a contrast, the developing confidence and realisation of Green’s writing.
‘After the Flood’ is an atmospheric and moody track. Opening with some haunting strings and piano before it turns the track on its head and climaxes in a rousing clap-a-long with a positive and optimistic conclusion. Closer, ‘On Applecross Ridge’, is a harmonious ode to Scotland’s West Coast and, possibly, a track to commemorate the passing of Green’s father. Possibly the most heartfelt and personal track on the album, a beautiful conclusion, and a signal of the maturity of Green’s writing. Indeed, it is in the darker, more melancholic songs that Green’s talent comes to the fore and this is certainly where his strength lies.
With guests such as multi-percussionist Will Fry (Baaba Maal, Utada Hikaru), the piano and synth of Phil Alexander (Moishe’s Bagel), and the brass of Marcus Britton (Oi Musica) alongside members of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra it’s a curious, but entirely engaging mix. Songs of the Sea is a moving, sincere album, and one that promises interesting things to come from Green.
https://iandavidgreen.bandcamp.com/releases
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