Album Review: Shine On

Shine On is the second album release for Warkworth based singer/song writer Andy Richards and is testament to the NZ DIY ethic. Shine On was recorded over a year at a friend’s home studio, free of stress and the pressures of working to a budget and time frame.

Upon my first listen I caught quite a few influences, namely Justin Townes Earl and Jack Johnson with a touch of Elemeno P. The horn section featured throughout Shine On was pinched from another Kiwi act, Strangely Arousing, and in that comes my reference to Townes Earl. They share a very similar vibe though perhaps not as filled with the quiet angst Townes Earl captures.

It’s also refreshing to know that real horn players were used in the recording, as much as it can be easy to fool listeners with programmed horns you just can’t beat the imperfections that come with real players and instruments.

Shine On features 10 well put together pop tracks with a lot of attention given to the song arrangements, the horn section is a noted success. Not one to normally be a fan of horn sections in pop music I can easily say it’s been worked in really thoughtfully.

Shine On is ideally for fans of artists such as Jack Johnson, Donovan Frankenreiter and Justin Townes Earl. It’s light, poppy and sincere – a good summer addition to the collection if you’re down with the softer side of music.
Maybe a G & T outside by the BBQ is the appropriate setting.

I can’t say I had a stand out track, they all sit well together and the album flows well so my lack of a “stand out” isn’t a bad thing.