published: 19 /
3 /
2008
Label:
Empyream Records
Format: CD
Occasionally impressive , but somewhat unimaginative solo album from former Cardinal member, Eric Matthews
Review
Veteran Eric Matthews returns with an occasionally impressive and often smooth album. On 'The Imagination Stage' Matthews' days with Richard Davies in the seminal Cardinal duo and on their majestic Fly Daddy Records releases come to mind again. Matthews' craftmanship is ever so evident. Alas 'The Imagination Stage' bears very few surprises as well. He's a natural and perfectly well knows how to blend singy whispering with waltzing pop ballads. This trademark of his hasn't really worn off yet but only those listeners new to the music from Eric Matthews will be excited by 'The Imagination Stage'.
This doesn't leave aside that this album features a couple of genuine beauties. 'Little 18' is the type of song you'd want to play to a young adult to prevent him or her from wasting opportunities. The album's next highlight is 'In Our Lives' - where lyrical wisdom falls in line with matured songwriting. Another prime example of Matthews' wonderfully melodic narrative can be heard on 'We Were Human'.
On this new album Eric Matthews lays down all of his cards and he's not drawing any blanks here either, yet 'The Imagination Stage' fails to be that album to get you all in a frenzy. Still with plenty of excellent music, it is an album the uninitiated will enjoy.
Track Listing:-
1
Well Known Liar
2
That Kiss of Life
3
Little 18
4
Radio Boy
5
Don't Take Light
6
In Our Lives
7
Devil Red Glow
8
Her Life
9
Genius
10
The Imagination Stage
11
We Were Human
12
Fools
13
Does He Keep You Warm