Harmonies and Cigarettes is the first commercially released album by Australian singer/songwriter Roger Henshaw, who sings and plays guitar and keyboards. He had some help on backing vocals (which I’ll note) and recorded at John Roy’s Recording Studio in Mannering Park, Australia. He didn’t send too much background info, so let’s get right to the songs!
“Step by Step” is described by Henshaw as “a little bit 1960’s and a little bit 1970’s. It’s meant to be fun and has a good pop hook!” I definitely hear the ’60s in his twangy electrics and stellar harmonies. Kim Humphreys is credited on lead guitar. It has the feel of many a one-hit wonder you could buy on a K-Tel compilation LP, though I can’t think of just one band. Bernice Hickford is credited on backing vocals. The animated video is fun, but has a few bizarre images that are definitely NSFW! “Love is Here” is a love song (no big shock there) which Henshaw says has “a catchy riff reminiscent of The Monkees.” Indeed, you could almost call it “Soporific Valley Sunday.” For that matter, it also sounds a bit like “Ticket to Ride” by the Beatles, and features stellar backing harmonies by engineer and producer John Roy. The title track “Harmonies and Cigarettes” is an intimate folk tune based on acoustic guitar, bass and piano, along with Henshaw’s tentative but heartfelt vocals. He says this is the only song recorded in his home studio (using Apple Logic Pro X) and it feels wide and expansive, with a full drum kit and a small string section. It was written as a gift to his guitar playing partner of many years, “taking us back to where it all started in Dawson Street.” “Do You Remember” is a “pub rocker” Henshaw wrote for an old girlfriend (whom he doubts remembers him). It’s anthemic and jumping, with clever lyrical and melodic switch-ups that somehow cross ’60s bubblegum with the adventurousness of Queen. “Waterfall” is based on a dream Henshaw once had, and features Kim Humphreys on guitar. This track has the breezy feel of a Dire Straits song (and Mark Knopfler’s soloing), and again features nice backing vocals by Benice Hickford. “Good Memories” is the other song with a video, and this one is shot in a more traditional style. Henshaw says he wrote this song for his late mother “in a style she would have loved” which to me has a cajun flavor thanks to the accordion, banjo and Humphries’ terrific slide guitar. The superimposed photos of Henshaw’s eternally young mother are quite moving. Henshaw ends the album with “a good old fashioned pop song” called “Fooled Myself” which was originally released in 2010 but has since been remastered. It’s a great track with terrific lead and harmony vocals, compelling hooks and thick, expansive synth strings to tie it all together. Robbie James of the Australian band GANGgajang contributes ace backing vocals and harmonies. These songs all seem to have sprung fully formed from an era long gone, and it’s an era and style I continue to love. If you’re in the mood for great songs without taxing your brains too much, please give Mr. Henshaw a spin or two!
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
May 2024
|