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Lyrics:		10.0
Vocals:		10.0
Technique:		10.0
Replay:		9.0
Originality:		9.0
Score:		9.0

Artist:	Richard Hawley
Label:	Mute
Genre:	Alternative • Pop
Street Date:	September 22, 2009

List Price:	14.98
Amazon:

When a recorded work takes hold of your heartstrings and soul as easily as Richard Hawley’s future classic Truelove’s Gutter, you sit back and wonder how a human being can wield that much power. The subtle production, unique instrumentation, and wonderful tonality within Hawley’s voice is close to heavenly and down right inspiring when heard for the very first time and riveting the second. Hawley has turned another page in the master’s book and slowly read the poems with grace and brilliance. A latecomer to my ears this year, I would have placed it in a number of top ten lists for 2009. No worries to Mr.Hawley since this record has already made it onto my list of all time favorites.

Out of the gate, “As the Dawn Breaks” struts as it paints an ominous picture of a large sun bursting upward through the tones of pleasant guitar. Simple and sad, Richard’s deep, velvet voice carries you through a beautiful piece of music like a feather floating on the warm breeze against the night sky. His vocal tone could truly melt steel. “Open Up The Door” launches a quiet, sweet string and harp as the second track follows with tasteful smoothness. An added guitar is a very warm companion for Hawley’s vocal texture. This song quickly becomes infectious as the layers of instruments and sound sway through time.

Another piece of brilliance, “Ashes On The Fire” has the beauty of a late summer sunset wrapped in guitar and brushed drums. It reminds of a time when old Nashville vinyl caused our hearts to break from the pure warmth of emotion. You can feel the tears fall within the crackle of each note making it hard to listen just once. “Remorse Code” is a sweet shuffle that walks beside you like a supportive friend with a hand on your shoulder. Hawley’s deep voice crawls into your heart and makes it beat stronger with every word in his velvet breath.

“Don’t Get Hung Up In Your Soul” brings a simple, sad and personal warmth into the picture as this touching, poetic tune stands brilliantly. This is close to becoming one of the most masterful recordings I have ever heard. Not only haunting and soulful, it was created with such care it has a depth that cannot be described with simple words. It can only be appreciated by the heart from personal experience. Another ominous starter, “Soldier On” carries you upon a cloud of mysterious tone and substance. Its dark undertones and far-away wonder give a stunning example of Hawley’s subtle genius and masterful production of Yellow Arch Studios in Sheffield. The piece slowly rises calmly then explodes with raw power. It is kept simple but is executed brilliantly.

”For Your Lover Give Some Time” is reminiscent of Roy Clark’s classic “Yesterday When I Was Young,” as its bittersweet, darkness and sad vocal pulls the heartstrings hopelessly back and forth. The last piece, "Don’t You Cry,” is haunting, frightening, but also childlike from the start. There is something chilling yet comforting in this one as its imagery takes you clearly down a road you worry to walk. As if inside a late night horror tale, its mysterious and dreamy tones make you look over your shoulder more than once awaiting that deadly bite. Hawley is worlds apart from other master’s of subtle tone, emotion and pure heart. He has his own signature and has boldly inscribed it on this masterpiece. It is a warm breath I am proud to call one of my newest favorites.