Graham Macrae "Graham Macrae" (Independent 2008)

Eagle Rocks!!

There is no denying that in his deft finger-picking style Californian Macrae has listened to huge amounts of John Fahey records and shares that visionary’s approach to song writing and resulting aural unease. It clearly has done the Eagle Rock native no harm at all as this self-titled debut album is a corker and a record that, like Fahey, rewards repeated listening. The opening “I Can’t Trust You” sets the tone (if not sound) for much of the album, Macrae’s instantly self-assured vocal cutting through all manner of beeps and bleeps going on in the background. Over that melange of sounds is the oddly mesmeric and impressively dextrous finger-picking. It just draws you in, helpless in a way and utterly charmed yet unable to ever feel totally comfortable. Things tend to strip down as the record proceeds. “Future Days” is authentic lo-fi roots while “Oh How He Knew” echoes the more adventurous Iron And Wine soirees. Production is sharp and measured and choice of material throughout is of the highest order. Lyrically Macrae has an edge, a certain weirdness and ‘out there’ perception that is both charming and easy on the senses – more a sixties sensitivity as opposed to seventies whimsy.

Date review added:  Thursday, April 10, 2008
Reviewer:  Del Day
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Artist Website