Sunday, July 12, 2009

Alexi Murdoch - Time Without Consequence


If you've seen the movie Away We Go, then you're already familiar with Alexi Murdoch's music. The songs "All My Days" and "Wait" are both featured in the film. My first priority after getting home from the theatre was looking up the artist who did those songs, so I checked it out on IMDB and then fired up the old Youtube. Turns out his music has been used in quite a few TV shows before and his album was on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

Time Without Consequence, Murdoch's first full album, is a touching, emotional work that subtly glides around folk boundaries. Songs like "All My Days" evoke a more polished Bob Dylan, while other songs, especially the moody "12", are reminiscent of early Coldplay. In fact, the entire album feels like an even mellower Parachutes, if that's possible.

The thing that sets Murdoch apart is his voice. He has a kind of raw strength and honesty that is so rare nowadays. His delivery is effortlessly smooth and powerful, but has a conversational openness. There's just the slightest hint of a Scottish accent.

Accompaniment on the album is understated without feeling empty. Surging, at times, and absolutely flying when it needs to be. Pacing is a big aspect of it. There are plenty of details to keep you interested. Listening to the album all the way through is very satisfying.

I'm sure I'll be listening to this man for a long time. At the very least, do yourself the favor of listening to "All My Days". There's a great live video of it on Youtube.

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