It has been a while since I reviewed music from W.F.Severs, and here is his first all original music album. I feel spoiled.
For those of you who have never had the pleasure of Sheffield’s W.F.Severs; he writes thoughtful songs that sound personal and have crafted lyrics that lay bare emotions and tell stories. His sound sits somewhere in the intersection of alt-country, Americana and folk.The songs on this album were written and recorded in Sheffield, Rome and Belluno. And prizes will be awarded for those of you who immediately got the seven hills connection with both Sheffield and Rome,
The opening track ‘Hollywood’ tells what may be a familiar story of striving for success in life, and failing in one town. So while rooted in Americana in both words and music the story is more universal. And when I say rooted in Americana, the sound sits in that Laurel Canyon Americana sound; utterly wonderful guitar included.
There is a beautiful lifting blues feel to ‘Mountain & The Man’. Here W, F. introduces a theme of life and relationships as a journey – with wrong turns and places you should be returning to. What this song evokes wonderfully is that the journey of life often has a place where you are most at peace but turn away from it, only to realise that you must go back.
‘Walk Into The Night’ has a different feel. This is hard to describe to be honest but the best I can come up with is a progressive modern take on Country and American. It’s utterly compelling and completely mesmerising. A beautiful moment,
‘Ghost On The Street’ tells the story of an ended relationship, a complicated ended relationship. The reminders of it that lie in places and streets. The words are simple, raw and honest. And the music reinforces that feel. This is a song we can all relate to. This is a song I have returned to many times, because it describes so completely one facet of human life. This will tear your heart in two.
With ‘Living Free’ there is a change of mood. It describes the joys of living outside of the ‘normal’. Perhaps of being a wanderer. And yet there is more to this song. Perhaps I am reading more into it than there actually is but it’s about stepping out of the rat race, of choosing to live your way.
‘Keepin’ On’ tells the story of being pulled back home by a person you once knew. It’s a simple story but one that is told so well by the words. The thing about this song is that somehow W. F. has managed to bring a freshness to a familiar story; a new angle if you will. Lovely.
The song ‘I Can Be Your Friend’ is something you just have to hear. This is because what the song is about and the point of view it’s written from is gut wrenching. Just listen and you’ll understand,
The closing song ‘Seven Hills’ is a song about Sheffield. The place and its people. It’s a song about home. But it’s also a song about leaving, leaving because things change, people and friends leave. It’s a song that celebrates what was, not what is now,
This is an album of words and music that quietly drags you into absolute obsession with the songs. Each song is a fantastic combination of emotive words and beautiful music. The key is that while the stories and themes in the songs may be familiar W. F.brings something raw and personal to them, and sometimes takes a new angle. The music works in synergy with the words; reinforcing the emotion and helping to tell the stories. It’s fantastic.
I love this album. Every song is a gem. Every song has compelling lyrics and music so good it hurts. It is, and I mean this, perfect.
