[Taller Trees]
Artist: Nervous Passenger
Label: Room 3 Records
Length: 50:25minutes / 11 songs
There has been quite a wait for this follow-up to Nervous Passenger's well-received Ocean Air EP. An ambitious acoustic-rock outfit from Edinburgh, Scotland, the band profess to drawing on quite a variety of musical influences. Among those named, the Counting Crows influence is most obvious, with more subtle touches of Pearl Jam and early REM. The electric guitar of Neil Alton sometimes veers towards a surprising emo touch in a few lines, but mostly stays with a somewhat more conventional style. Keyboards, hammond organ, and accordion from Donald Webb fill out the sound.
Vocally, lead singer Neil Alton can take some getting used to. There is a sharp edge to some of his vocals which, combined with his strong accent makes, for a very distinctive style. He is also the main lyricist, and has managed to bring together a range of lyrical approaches, from first-person to third-person. Those lyrics draw on a broad range of experiences, obviously illuminated by his Christian faith. I was particularly taken with "Paint":
Hey friend won't you buy another canvas
In which to paint another picture
Like you used to do in black and gold
Oh chill now friend
Won't you buy another brush with which
to paint
Another smile upon your face
This song is built around a tightly woven guitar pattern with a fresh feel. At times the lyrics can be a little predictable--there are rough edges to work off--but they are largely well focused while retaining a little space for the listener's interpretation.
"Come Higher" is another song that sticks out immediately. With a light, almost breezy, sound driven by the acoustic guitar and a hooky feel. The bass line drives the song along and the lyrics are open to the listener alongside their confessional nature:
I'm a liar, I've been lying to myself
for so long
I'm a cheater, well I'm cheating myself
out of you
Let me walk upon the grass to ease my
weary soul
I don't know if I can lie in the bed
I've made myself this time
The band are at their best when they let the acoustic guitar lead things, but the other elements and occasional move to more electric territory allow more diversity to flow through the album. There are a few rough edges that need to be smoothed and a couple of arrangements could be tigher, but this is a respectable second release from a band which could go a long way.
By James Stewart (1/23/99)
It's often said that "imitation is the greatest form of flattery."
If that is true, than file [taller trees] respectably next to Counting
Crow's August and Everything After, for whether by coincidence or
design, these two bands sound substantially alike. What is more remarkable
is that Nervous Passenger is a pack of Scots, so their sophomore release
is not merely the British Isles's answer to the Counting Crows, it is one
of the most American-sounding bands to come from the Highlands since The
Waterboys's Mike Scott mimicked Jimi Hendrix and The Proclaimers invoked
the Righteous Brothers.
To be fair, Nervous Passenger is no mere Counting Crows imitators,
though that comparison extends across the musicianship, vocal delivery,
lyrical touches and moody ambience. Their overall sound also shows shades
of the Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Peter Himmelman, Burlap to
Cashmere, Dave Matthews, and a "smackeral" of Seventies vibes by the likes
of Nillson and Cat Stevens. Regardless of their supposed influences, if
you are looking for pleasantly played, sweetly saturnine, modern folk rock
with some aggressive nineties elements and jangly guitar bits, than this
will be a most welcome and recommended addition to your collection.
Considering the quality of these lyrics, you are also looking at
quite a bit of bang for your bucks--pounds, yen, shekels--whatever. With
introspective insight and artful elegance, principal songwriter Neil Alton
gently exposes his heart and faith in ten original songs and one remix.
The album begins with "Drift Away," which serves as an encouraging declaration:
Stay close to God, rely completely on
His Hand
And He'll show the way
He knows your mind, your thoughts, your
passions and your words
What you're gonna say
You pray so half-heartedly, you think
you've not been heard
So you fall away
Get a grip on the raft that's your support
and just drift away.
This theme of completely surrendering yourself to the Lord is revisited
and alluded to throughout this album, such as in the ballad "Goodbye December":
I've been kicked down for the last time
I'm tired of this run around
I'm gonna lay my burdens down
Stop wearing my own selfish crown.
Frankly, I can think of a number of bands that should not to be
imitated to any level, and the Counting Crows aren't one of them. Music
fans will delight in the intelligent lyrics and well-crafted music, and
plenty of sanctified spirit fills this project with hopeful inspiration
worth hearing. Whether because or in spite of the seemingly obvious
homage to that San Francisco band belting "Mr. Jones" all over the airwaves,
Nervous Passenger truly offers a strong offering deserving your affection.
By Steven Stuart Baldwin (2/4/99)
