David Latto - Show Me How to Feel

by Lisa Torem

published: 28 / 1 / 2020

Label: David Latto
Format: CDS

intro

Stunning EP from American singer-songwriter David Latto is rife with striking imagery, original ideas and his harmonic vocals

David Latto’s first studio release was ‘3000 Miles from Nashville’ back in 2010. After that, he formed the David Latto Band, releasing albums in 2012 and 2014 and touring Europe. What comes across in his current release is a deep wisdom and maturity that can only come from life experience, and yes, some disappointment along the way. Prior to ‘Show Me How to Feel,’ Latto took a needed break from music, only to come back stronger. “Everything is foreign baby/I’m at war inside,” Latto sings. With its buoyant rise and sonorous delivery, the title-song of his new release, ‘Show Me How to Feel’ is so much more than a plea for compassion. Latto is a master at turning a phrase; that’s immediately apparent. ‘Blood and Whiskey’ is a ballad that lays bare the essence of a once-in-a-lifetime relationship. Latto describes it as “a song about friendship. You knew each other before everything else.” His artful tenor is warmly harmonised by Mally Smith’s backing vocals. “It’s a fine mess we find ourselves in,” he declares at the beginning of ‘Better Way,’ but stay the course and a true optimism is expressed. Phil Wilkinson’s sharp drumming provides real heat. It’s “a song about hope against the odds.” ‘Haunt Me’ is catchy, but also, as the name suggests, simply haunting. “Play me all over again,” Latto asks. His dreamy acoustic arrangement and image-filled lyrics make this the quintessential love song. John Mather’s pedal steel lends the perfect sheen. It’s just amazing how much luster and energy Latto can deduct from a few simple phrases. On ‘Losing You,’ he proves this point. He lingers on the title name with finesse and confidence. John Mather’s electric guitar solo is a fine distractor before the ultimate payoff: “We’ve been here before and we’ve survived.”