Dave Clarke has done time (literally) as a drummer with Glen Hansard, Hothouse Flowers et al, but this is his debut solo album of medium-rare rock tunes. Clarke has a voice of considerable substance, close at times to Nick Cave, especially on the ethereal ‘Give A Little’, and his intelligent songs often have a similarly dark hue, with ‘Lonely Days’ graphically evoking a sense of directionlessness. ‘The Escape’ skates smoothly along, not unlike Leonard Cohen in its shadings, and the live ‘Paintings On The Wall’ locks into a smooth groove decked out with deft percussive interjections. In short, Clarke’s debut is a welcome revelation of hitherto unsuspected talents. Listen up...
KEY TRACK: ‘PAINTINGS ON THE WALL’