just as i was oohing and aahing about malaysian local indie band ferns' "on botany" album, here comes another sleeper gem from the tiny dot. s'pore's leslie low has been in the indie circle for so long that he is revered as an indie god in s'pore. please google on leslie low and find out his background and his band, observatory.
this folk singer-songwriter's latest solo album, entitled "worm" is a return to his folksy roots. the music is starkly naked and comtemplative, even sad and melancholic at times but oh-so-sumptuous all the same. it is a cross between nick drake and damien rice, with more the former's influence. it is best for late-night and rainy days consumption.
this album is not for thrill-seekers or people who crave too much variety; it can be monotonous if you are impatient. don't dismiss it on first listen; it will grow on you gradually. the beauty of "worm" lies in its simplicity and the low’s ability to speak volumes with his quiet, contemplative songs.
and what's more - the recording. oh, the recording. palpable imaging and crispy finger-style guitaring makes this an audiophile's heaven. low must have invested quite a fair bit in recording and mastering. this is a beautiful recording indeed.
it has got substance and is worthy of award nominations.
sonics: 5 out of 5
music: 4 out of 5
No comments:
Post a Comment