For Bernard Butler, the making of Friends And Lovers was all about finding the true musician inside himself. Bernard’s time with Suede and David McAlmont was well spent developing his craft for tremendous songwriting. Comparing Bernard’s past work, Friends And Lovers is more of a complete recording in a very dynamic relation to his music. This record features more electric guitar rock, backing vocal harmonies that bring some pop-rock sensibility, piano and other keys, little simple soundscape instruments such as tambourines, the blending of strings, and synthesizers to add depth. Yet the strongest element on the record is the vast improvement in his singing voice. Many of the songs are slow driven but his voice steals the spotlight from the music.
The first few tracks are straight up British rock numbers with big chords and solid melodies. The title track is loaded with a huge chorus supported by The Terence Miles Trio and makes for a good impression as an opening track. “I’d Do It Again If I Could” will be the first single to hit the States in early February and hopefully it will receive some worthy praise. I mean, what’s there not to like about the song? There are big in-your-face guitars chords followed by a righteous organ melody with real tearjerker for a solo.
The extraordinary comes out on this recording with the song “Cocoon”. This is a simple song but only could be developed by someone with the musical talents of Mr. Bernard Butler. “Cocoon” is a mellow track but the transitions that take place moving from acoustic to electric guitar are worth a thousand listens. Bernard conjures up the right guitar solo to distract you from getting too attached to the lyrics. Another simple song that has that British pop/rock mentality is “You Must Go On.” The lyrics are a little repetitive but bounce in beat with the guitar and piano.
I have always been a fan of Bernard’s guitar work because he tries to not be flashy; he’s more into creating a piece that sounds good to listen on the headphones. Songs that instantly come to mind on Friends And Lovers are “No Easy Way Out” and “Has Your Mind Got Away?” There is great use of layered guitars and effects that make these two tracks worth going out and buying the record just for a listen. “No Easy Way Out” comes across as if someone threw Butler’s amp in a cave to create a deep, hollow effect. The band adds a gem by returning to British psychedelic rock with the eight minute epic “Has Your Mind Got Away?” A soft drum beat and bass assist Butler slowly as other soundscapes fill in through the back door, only to later be triumphed by a piercing noise of guitar sonics. Nice touch, Bernard.
Friends And Lovers gets the seal of solid approval. It’s definitely one of those classic albums where you’ll want to put on your headphones and just listen.
+larry sarzyniak
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