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Chris Grant – It’s Not About War! (2013) review

November 7, 2013

Chris Grant – It’s Not About War! (2013) review

Chris Grant “It’s Not About War!” (359 Music, 2013)
Liverpudlian Grant writes heartbreaking songs with a
Northern sensibility – cold, wet, forlorn – reminiscent of his neighbours Echo
& The Bunnymen and Teardrop Explodes. Chiming guitars ring teardrops from
“Our Story”, a loving tribute to his co-author/guitarist brother, Anthony (the
rest of the band are uncredited, although the more intimate tracks with just
Grant and his acoustic guitar leave the biggest impression).  “Pretty Mean” illustrates Grant’s skills as a
story teller, a chance meeting with an inquisitive girl ends unrequited, as our
narrator, perhaps unable to commit to a relationship walks away after treating
her…well. The title says it all.
               “Like A
45” (the significance of the reference escapes me: “I’m in a hurricane/Like a
forty five”, but the piano arrangement adds a melancholic air to another tale
of missed connections and open-ended relationships. And by the time Grant asks
“How many times can a man fall in love/And then let go, just like that” (“How
Many Times”) I’m suspecting that he’s suffering from serious relationship
issues and this album is his therapy.
So if you find yourself on the precipice of a life-altering
relationship decision or are suffering from a broken love affair, Grant is more
than willing to pour a little heartache in your ear and welcome you into his
pity party. It’s not the brightest album you’ll hear this month, but if misery
truly does love company, pull up a corner of the carpet and commiserate along
with this fine new talent. Maybe together, you’ll work it out, but if not,
you’ll have spent an enjoyable hour of self-reflection that might usher in a
few blue skies under those grey clouds hovering over your head.
Review made by Jeff Penczak/2013
© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2013
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