Tomorrow, 24th September, sees the release of ‘Sleeping Like a Maniac’, the new album from Melbourne, Australia-based singer-songwriter Justin Bernasconi. While his previous releases have explored the Americana roots traditions, this latest offering turns towards influences from his birthplace, the UK. That said, he identifies as being as much a European as a Brit, and the rich cultural landscape of European galleries and history have also inspired songs for this album.
While all those influences may have helped to shape this release, mood and atmosphere have a strong prevalence, especially on the Golden Leaves below, something that ties in nicely with his term ‘folk impressionism’. It’s clear from the album’s press that Bernasconi has been on an emotional journey and that his music reflects the hopes and despair he has gone through.
Bernasconi plays a Martin HD28 converted into a 7-string guitar and it’s a pleasure to hear and watch him play. He tells us that Golden Leaves is the tale of a man striving to move on from his relationship mess, his lies and confusion. Throughout the track, his deft cross-picking uses flow and dissonance to both lighten and add weight to passages, you can feel the inner turmoil unfolding…when an artist can convey such emotional heft through his playing the storytelling is taken to another level.
The video for ‘Golden Leaves’ was recorded live by Jim Arneman, in a church hall in Melbourne on a cold autumn morning. Sitting in solitude, driving guitar and the voicing of a searching mind speak volumes.
Band tracks on the album also feature Cat Canteri, Ben Franz and others from among Melbourne music’s finest with Justin also adding mandolin and piano. Sleeping Like A Maniacs is released on 24 September.
For more information and the latest tour dates, please visit: www.justinbernasconi.com