Brian
Larney – At The Starting Line
2013, Nunya
2013, Nunya
Brian Larney has spent much of his
musical career contributing to the efforts of bands. All the while he was building up a
significant catalog of songs. Stepping
out on his own, Larney revealed a refined songwriting style similar to Neil
Finn and Andy Partridge. Larney recently
released his second album, At The
Starting Line. It is a quietly
brilliant collection of observational songs with a distinctive 1970’s flair.
Larney opens with the catchy energy
of "You Me and Allison". The song is a moment of escapist fancy
amidst strumming guitars and a melody line that won't quit. "Solace"
is a quiet country-fueled number about a young lady who struggles to maintain
faith in a world governed by Hobbesian actors. . Larney’s melody is catchy, and
the arrangement wraps perfectly around it. "Closed Door"
stumbles along in uncomfortable fashion, relying on a memorable melody to pull
a troubled and messy arrangement through.
Larney digs into an early rock sound
somewhere between The Beatles and Elvis Costello on "Whistling Past The Graveyard".
Larney turns up the wattage on charm on a song you'll have difficulty getting
out of your heart. Things take an angular turn on "The Plaintiff",
with Larney laying down some deliciously discomfiting guitar licks. The
transition into a catchy chorus is a brilliant turn. "Before The
Shadows Grow Too Long" is a pensive love song that underscores Larney's
talent for sweet melodies. His writing style is reminiscent at times of James
Taylor, and his sound would have sold a lot of records in the late 1970's.
"Dogma (On A Leash)" has a
bluesy feel that's accessible and fun. The "don't tread on me"
message is delivered in low key fashion to the ups and downs of a dynamic and
memorable melody. "Why God Why" is a gentle folk/pop anthem with a
deceptively catchy chorus. Larney rises up into a sweet tenor voice here,
gliding along on a melody that's as smooth as silk. "Chain Of
Words" lopes along at a fast walk, with Larney pacing the song with an
accusatory but well voice vocal. The song intrigues based on its mix of musical
lightness and emotional disturbance. "Chance" has an urgent feel,
like an appeal not made but nonetheless hoped for. Larney rails against the
unfairness of it all over a dynamic, guitar driven arrangement that's a real
treat. Larney brings listeners back to Earth with "Never Argue With The
Devil", a singer/songwriter ballad that dwells in melancholy. There's a
baroque beauty to the arrangement that is teased out by the Larney's metronomic
acoustic guitar.
Brian Larney is a pleasant surprise
on At The Starting Line. He manages
to write accessible songs with melodies you'll walk away humming. Larney misses
once in a while, perhaps, and his occasional pitch issues are a distraction,
but his charisma and voice are distinctive enough to pull off anything he wants
to do.
Rating:
4 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more at www.brianlarney.com.