Feedback File - Summerland

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 7 / 1 / 2023

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Review

It’s -8, snow, which finally stopped a few hours ago, has just started falling again and it looks like it’s going to be around for a while. And here we are, thankfully out of the cold, listening to the latest album from John Almond’s The Feedback File titled ‘Summerland’. At a time when Darlene Love should be urging us to deck the halls, it’s John Almond and his select crew of musicians who are keeping us warm. If fading memory serves me right the words we published on two of The Feedback File’s earlier albums ( ‘The Earth Beneath Our Feet’ and ‘Sans Voix’) both mentioned that Almond’s music recalled summer days so, given the title of this latest set, it’s no surprise that those long, lazy days of just a few months ago spring to mind while listening to ‘Summerland’ even during these cold spells. Utilising the services of the musicians and singers who made those earlier albums so special ( so good to hear Sarah Vallance’s vocals once more) Almond has, once again, created an album that covers so much ground musically. drawing on a myriad of influences which he shapes into something unique. It appears that, like other musicians, lockdown provided Almond the opportunity and space to write songs and complete this album; at least something good came out that bleak period. As usual with a Feedback File album the music isn’t just trapped in one genre. Almond probably wouldn’t deny his musical heart is beating to the classic sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s and those songwriters from that era. Although names such as Bacharach readily come to mind at times, it’s not only in his songwriting but in the arrangement of the songs, for these, make no mistake, are songs, and can honestly be held in the same regard as those penned by the classic songwriters of that golden era. ‘That’s What She Said’ opens the album; all summery acoustic guitar. Almond’s clear vocals capturing the listener's attention immediately. Then it happens - Sarah Vallance makes an appearance on vocals, her heavenly voice lifting the song even more into classic territory. It’s a dream of a song. Tt’s difficult to not hit the repeat button and skip the rest of the album, as its beauty just enfolds you. Where, if listening to the track on a warm, sunny day the song would suit the location just perfectly. Even falling into it on a winter’s day seems appropriate; the warmth emanating from the music and vocals just envelopes you in a cosy glow. It's no fluke either: if you can get past the urge to play the song again (and again) you hear the newsflash conforming that JFK had been shot as ‘Here Come the Change’ opens with picked acoustic guitar and Almond’s mournful vocals again make the listener take notice immediately. Building up to the massed voices singing “marching down the street we see the change,/Down on Selma Bridge here comes the change.” it’s a though-provoking, atmospheric piece which again proves it’s impossible to fit the music Almond creates into one neat box, As usual the melodies Almond dresses his lyrics in are unforgettable. Almond introduces a new female voice on ‘Good Dreams Bad Dreams’, Donna Canale takes the lead on another atmospheric piece and shows that Almond has a flair for finding the right female voice for his songs. Recalling the classic sound of ‘60s female singer/songwriters (yes, even Joni Mitchell comes to mind) the song is also a showcase for just how talented a songwriter Almond is. One can only wonder why he isn’t more well-known and appreciated. The title track is a standout in an album full of musical surprises and treats. A companion piece in some ways to the opening track ; it will serve as the perfect soundtrack to an August day or the comfort needed on a reflective, chilly December day. The arrangement and production (the set was co-produced by Almond and Simon Plent) is simply stunning. There’s so much to enjoy and discover in every song. Jacob Dillard’s dobro adds some unexpected texture to ‘Fear of Falling’, a jaunty song where the backing vocals are in danger of taking all the attention from Almond’s lead. It’s an uplifting few minutes which is difficult to sit still to even if it is too cold to move! ‘Nightfall’ will win your heart from the off, Vallance’s lead vocals are outstanding; when coupled with Donna Canale’s backing vocals -magical is the only word that comes to mind. It’s a killer of a song, guaranteed to melt the hardest of hearts. ‘Still On The Line’ is surely a nod to ‘Wichita Lineman’ and comparing Almond’s music to another of the classic songwriters from the ‘60s and ‘70s requires no stretch of the imagination. With Jacob Dillard supply weeping pedal steel, it’s another winner and confirms Almond’s position as a songwriter of some class. ‘Summerland’ then; eleven songs all equal in their beauty, the skip button not needed and confirmation that John Almond and his collective deserve so much more attention than they receive. Here’s to hoping that ‘Summerland’ reached more ears than The Feedback File’s previous albums. It’s deserved. Almond is up there with the absolute best of our songwriters. We can also hope that he doesn’t leave it so long between albums next time!

Track Listing:-

1 That's What She Said
2 Here Come The Change
3 Good Dreams Bad Dreams
4 Summerland
5 Jennifer
6 Fear Of Falling
7 Nightfall
8 Margaret's Dancing
9 Still On The Line
10 Only Love
11 Simple Things

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/thefeedbackfi
https://thefeedbackfile.bandcamp.com/

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