Album Review: Contemplate

Grant Duncan is a well-seasoned singer-songwriter based in Auckland, New Zealand, who’s just released his new 12 song album, Contemplate.

The album is available on Duncan’s Bandcamp page as is the modern way of doing things. Contemplate joins his extensive back catalogue.

Two up tempo numbers, It All Just Falls Into Place and That Rush of Blood open the album, and right from the outset it is apparent that Grant Duncan is a well skilled composer of guitar-based pop. There’s bounce and swagger enough to have toes tapping, heads nodding and songwriters thinking, ‘well played that man’.

Track three, The One We Leave Behind, is moody number, still in-keeping with Duncan’s indie-pop sensibilities, just slower, a ballad if you like. It’s the first of a few slower numbers scattered across the charming pop landscape of this excellent album.

It Won’t Mean Much Until It’s Gone opens beautifully with a piano shifting chords; it’s another ballad, and the addition of piano brings another colour palate to the album.

The Greater The Obstacle is also a great tune with a simple but good ‘whatever doesn’t kill you makes your stronger’ message. When Will I See You Again? isn’t a cover of a 50’s or 60’s classic – it’s another great original song.

To be honest I haven’t heard much of Grant’s back catalogue, but after hearing this album I intend to.

In addition to his solo output Grant has also been the front-man for Tokyo based indie combo Pavement Candy since 2005.