'In The Water We Are All Beautiful' represents a speedy follow-up for Cal Williams Jr. after the quiet Nick Drake-like sounds of his impressive 2005 debut. Williams evokes an authenic, unforced atmosphere which suggests his songs could have been recorded thirty years ago. The instrumental tracks feature some very pleasant viola and clarinet melodies which generally provide the most uptempo moods on the album. His own vocals, however, convey melancholia via a hushed whisper; cautionary on 'Absolution' and mournful on 'Sanctuary'. Infact the happiest sounding vocal track is a cover of Tim Buckley's 'Once I Was'; an artist hardly a stranger to tragedy himself. Meanwhile the likes of 'Best Defence' sounds like the sparest song on earth such is its intimacy and uncomplicated delivery. In both his unassuming disposition and heartfelt songwriting, Cal Williams Jr. could feasibly be folk music's answer to Richard Hawley.
'In The Water We Are All Beautiful' represents a speedy follow-up for Cal Williams Jr. after the quiet Nick Drake-like sounds of his impressive 2005 debut. Williams evokes an authenic, unforced atmosphere which suggests his songs could have been recorded thirty years ago. The instrumental tracks feature some very pleasant viola and clarinet melodies which generally provide the most uptempo moods on the album. His own vocals, however, convey melancholia via a hushed whisper; cautionary on 'Absolution' and mournful on 'Sanctuary'. Infact the happiest sounding vocal track is a cover of Tim Buckley's 'Once I Was'; an artist hardly a stranger to tragedy himself. Meanwhile the likes of 'Best Defence' sounds like the sparest song on earth such is its intimacy and uncomplicated delivery. In both his unassuming disposition and heartfelt songwriting, Cal Williams Jr. could feasibly be folk music's answer to Richard Hawley.
print this review
email this review