Album Review: Shadow of Love

NZ Country / Blues rocker heavyweights, Paul Gurney with The DeSotos have teamed up to produce their latest album, Shadow of Love. Reminiscent of The Warratahs, with a touch of America and a heavy sprinkling of Neil Young, the warm comforting Americana backdrop which I grew up with exuding from the vinyl in the living room.

Paul Gurney is a distinguished vocalist, he has captured the moody undertone of this album perfectly. A melancholy vibe runs through the 10 tracks, which adds to the charm and compliments the Americana sound which has seen the band universally embraced by critics and earned them a dedicated fan base. Material from previous albums has been used as continuity and theme music for TVNZ’s, South and North and recently providing music for Shortland Street and Brokenwood Mysteries. 

Track one, Close Your Eyes is an indication of the yearning thoughtful lyrics which weave their way through the album. It is obvious that as a writer, Paul has clearly crafted the words to compliment the vocals and instrumental genius of The DeSotos. “Love is generally a positive force but even the most beautiful of ideas can cast a shadow”.

The last track on the album Sinner you’d better get ready, is a reminder of Paul’s gospel connection as a member of the Jubilation Acapella Gospel Choir. It rounds of this album nicely.

If music is the ‘creative organisation of sound’, then this captivating arrangement of songs has been organised beautifully.

I look forward to seeing these guys play at the National Jazz Festival in Tauranga over Easter, they are sure to draw a crowd.

Release date April 21 by Aeroplane Music Services.