published: 4 /
5 /
2015
Label:
Light Over There
Format: CDS
Unlikely pairing of War Poets main man and Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter Rex Haberman with Galway’s Aileen Henderson, who have produced together a lyrically strong five track EP
Review
It’s not unusual these days for artists to make music without actually being in the studio at the same time or even being in the same country, but there can’t be so many musicians who have made music ‘together’ without ever actually having met. Light Over There is a duo comprising War Poet Rex Haberman, who hails from Minneapolis and Aileen Henderson who was brought up in Galway. The pair met through Twitter in mid-2014, exchanged emails and eventually started writing songs together…separated by the Atlantic. As far as we know the pair still have never actually met in person, which, even given the advanced state of technology today, is remarkable as the five songs that the duo has written and performed on this EP, while not neatly fitting in to any one particular genre, are not only a breath of fresh air but sound like the work of a couple who have been making music together for years.
With a bunch of Nashville musicians including former Gin Blossoms drummer John Richardson, it’s no surprise that the duo are being lumped in with the Americana set; given Haberman’s long music career and his work with the socially conscious War Poets a rockier sound might also be expected. What we get in fact is an uplifting set which blends country, pop and rock to great effect, despite lyrically dealing with some serious issues.
‘Where Memories Live’, which opens the album, deals with the subject of dementia, and, despite her young years, Aileen Henderson really gets behind the lyrics and expresses perfectly the devastating impact the illness has on those around those affected by the syndrome. The song is a country-flavoured rocker and the positive vibe of the music is at odds with the subject of the song; that Henderson and Haberman manage to take such a sensitive and serious subject and clothe it in such uplifting surroundings is what really makes it so special. Henderson, who can sound not unlike Stevie Nicks at times, displays maturity beyond her years as she sings the lyrics which will resonate with anyone whose family has been affected by this condition.
‘She Cries to You’ has a much edgier sound, the electric guitars pushing the song along and shows that Henderson can tackle the more rockier side that Haberman is known for with ease. Again the song is melodically rich, the haunting backing vocals creating some nice texture to the song. ‘I Ain’t That Bad’ shows yet another side to this duo. A duet between Henderson and Haberman, it’s a jangled- tinged country rocker that recalls the Redlands Palomino Company. While concerning the hardships we experience while passing through this life again, the duo lean towards the positive side. Placed in the middle of the EP, it’s an unexpected diversion that works brilliantly.
‘Solitude, Gratitude’ is where Henderson really shines vocally. Initially the singer sounds like she is maybe just a little too laid-back in her delivery, but as the song unfolds and we are treated to another brilliant guitar solo along the way it’s apparent that Henderson’s understated vocal suits the song and lyrics perfectly.
But even that vocal performance is surpassed by Henderson’s contribution to the closing song, ‘Mountain Song'. It’s another upbeat cut enhanced by some inspired playing from all concerned (especially the guitarist) again with the duo looking at the positive side as life invariably gets tougher as the years pass.
Light Over There, given the process in which it was made, the fact that the two main contributors have never met, that they come from different generations and continents plus that they have entirely different musical backgrounds, really shouldn’t work. The fact that, despite dealing with some heavy issues, the music still gives off a positive vibe and leaves the listener not only wanting to hear more of the same but leaves them in a more thoughtful and better frame of mind than when the music started, makes this EP an absolute treasure.
Track Listing:-
1
Where Memories Live
2
She Cries to You
3
I Ain't That Bad
4
Solitude Gratitude
5
Mountain Song
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/lightoverther
https://twitter.com/lightoverthere
https://www.facebook.com/WarPoets
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTx_V
https://twitter.com/aileen__h
http://www.lightoverthere.com/