Jack Cheshire - Long Mind Hotel

by Lisa Torem

published: 17 / 9 / 2013

Label: Gun 20 Records
Format: CD

Enthralling second album from Bath-born singer-songwriter Jack Cheshire, who draws comparisons with both Donovan and Nick Drake

Review

After recording debut 'Allow It to Come On' in a squishy attic, Bath-born Jack Cheshire, now living in London, is back with 'Long Mind Hotel'. Cheshire is, when at his best, a cross between Donovan and Nick Drake. There is a relaxing contagious vibe to his ballads; the guitar work, while sometimes frenetic (as in 'Void'), is generally soothing and accents the vocals extremely well. His voice weaves freely around the melodies. 'Long Mind Hotel' gives us a break from our crazy lives; instead we enter his introspective domain. 'Gyroscope' is a clever opener: "Shake hands, roll the dice," - it offers bittersweet and practical advice for the most world weary. 'Heavenly Bodies' is more of a lullaby, whilst 'Into the Void', aside from its ferocious intro, chronicles a faraway dreamy existence. The title song, 'Long Mind Hotel' is also subdued, whilst 'Postcard from Sedation' definitely finds a way to "deepen the nerve endings." Some of his most clever rhyme schemes show up here. 'Revolving Doors' is another slice-of-life. "Spend the day at the old arcade..." He gets more enraged however -- "Red is the color of avarice/ hidden between all the lies." Ironically, his voice never rises in anger, which makes the content even more controlled and more convincing. The closer, 'Moving in a Straight Line' is charmingly romantic, without really coming out and saying so. Cheshire's wit and natural style of communicating is top notch.

Track Listing:-

1 Gyroscope
2 Heavenly Bodies
3 Into the Void
4 Daily Races
5 Long Mind Hotel
6 Postcard from Sedation
7 Revolving Doors
8 Kerosene
9 We Play Again
10 Moving in a Straight Line