Aviv Geffen - Mr Down and Mrs High
by Lisa Torem
published: 25 / 5 / 2011
Label:
Mars Records
Format: CDS
intro
Excellent new EP from Israeli-born singer-songwriter and peace activist, Aviv Geffen, which has been co-produced by both Tony Visconti and Trevor Horn
Israeli singer-songwriter, Aviv Geffen, who released his first album in 1991, has just released a new EP, ‘Mr Down and Mrs. High'. Co-produced by Tony Visconti and Trevor Horn, the work features Geffen’s lo-fi vocals and thematic diversity. Horn claims that though he has worked with a lot of “so-called rebels,” Geffen is “the real rebel.” The performing artist has aligned himself with home-grown peace movements and was even present when then Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin appeared backstage, at a rally in which he had performed, ‘I Cry for You’ to more than 300,000 people, to congratulate him, and was shot that same day. Geffen, with his band Blackfield, has recently played to sold-out houses in the UK. His uncle was the military leader Moshe Dayan, and his father, Yehonatan Geffen, is considered one of Israel’s most iconic poets. His own childhood was influenced primarily by the hippie movement. Geffen has strong opinions regarding his role and influence as an artist and activist. He says, “music is a great tool. It’s far more deadly than tanks or airplanes.” The EP’s title song, ‘Mr Down and Mrs High’, reveals just a splash of minor-tinged changes and is a distinct mix of British and American pop. The guitar is gutsy, yet tasteful and supports his robust sound. ‘Highway’ is a more wistful number. ‘You’re strange, you didn’t change, at all,” he sings. As he continues singing, “I want to drive all night,” the guitar work becomes more expansive and contemporary. ‘Jerusalem’ is gripping and anthemic. It is awash in frank, pointed lyricism, yet sonically supported by the mellowest of vocals and gentle strums. It recalls the uplifting, passionate style of Peter, Paul and Mary; an earnest cry for peace, largely told through a story, but upheld by pleasing accompaniment. ‘When Summer Comes’ is the consummate love song. “Put on your flowered dress and let down your hair,” he recommends. “When the rain will come, we’ll try as hard as we could,” he continues. Endearing backing vocals make it the quintessential romantic ballad. ‘Mr Down and Mrs High’ is an excellent mix of lyrical depth and vocal and instrumental timbre. That said, I’m anxious to hear a longer album that takes into account Geffen’s expert skills.
Track Listing:-
1 Mr. Down & Mrs. High2 Highway
3 Jerusalem
4 When Summer Comes
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.Dennis Tufano - Copernicus Center, Chicago, 19/7/2024
Elliott Murphy - Interview
Wreckless Eric - Interview
Adrian Gurvitz - Interview
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #16: Living in the Minds of Strangers
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #17: Tom Robinson
Norman Rodger - Interview
Chris Spedding - Interview
Penumbra - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Groovy Uncle - Making ExcusesBill Wyman - Drive My Car
Hawkestrel - Chaos Rocks
Philip Parfitt - The Dark Light
Deep Purple - =1
Ross Couper Band - The Homeroad
Jules Winchester - The Journey
John Murry and Michael Timmins - A Little Bit of Grace and Decay
Popstar - Obscene
Splashgirl and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe - More Human
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart