Lowlights - Lowlights

  by Jonjo McNeill

published: 3 / 9 / 2003

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Lowlights is the brainchild of Dameon Lee – a man whose low, throaty drawl makes Jason Pearce sound like a choirboy – and this album showcases his often beautiful, always enchanting music over twelve acoustic-led ballads. Epic opener ‘In the Distance’ sets it’s stall out early, the beauty of repetition being demonstrated to a tee. There’s shades of Doves in there, but don’t be fooled, as ‘Wave Good Bye’ is as country and western as, erm, Devon. Dameon sounds like Bruce Springsteen, and the sugar sweet backing vocals of Angela Brown melt together with his in lines like "He took you for granted / And held you by the wrist / He twisted your branches for his own momentary bliss". ‘Dim Stare’ carries on the country feel, throwing in an eerie synthesizer for good measure, which also makes a cameo in the touching ‘Brown Eyes’ ("I didn’t mean to make you cry" is far more timeless and beautiful as it is unoriginal). The album’s backbone is a mix of acoustic guitar, low-key synths and pedal steel, with Lee’s low, Southern drawl thrown in for authenticity. My only problem was the elusive ray of sunshine I was looking for never appeared. I’ve no problem with melancholy in music –it’s the mainstay of my record collection – but Lee makes being in love sound like torture, when there’s always good to be found there. That said, Lowlights is a great record. The songs are all top drawer, the arrangements simple but perfectly suited, and whilst the mood is never joyous - I had to stop halfway through for a Prozac break – melancholia can be uplifting in it’s own way. It’s the kind of album which needs to be played in the right frame of mind – it’s not a booze up, more a hangover. But a beautiful, heartfelt hangover, and one you’ll definitely enjoy again. Just not every morning. Turn the lights low, and enjoy a tortured man pour his heart out. It’s not as bad as it’s sounds.

Track Listing:-

1 In The Distance
2 Wave Goodbye
3 Dim Stars
4 Brown Eyes
5 Restless And Young
6 Gase Du Nond
7 Last And Alone
8 Travelogue
9 Wheelbarrow
10 Too Late
11 Flowers (In Her Hair)
12 How Does It Feel

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