Album Review: 'Simple Truth' - Garry Dunne

'Simple Truth' - Gary Dunne

By Kate Rothwell

Solo singer-songwriter projects face stiff competition from one another, as today's music market is saturated with 'one man and his guitar' artists of the same ilk. 'Simple Truth' starts off with the upbeat 'Hurt by love', which features a mix of different instruments and some female backing vocals thrown in for good measure. Not a bad start, but nothing to shout about either. The title track is much of the same, although here Gary's accent stands out, somewhat to the detriment of his tuneful vocals.

'Vacuum' is one of the strongest tracks on the album, starting off with country influences but growing into something a little jazzier with the addition of brass. Dunne worked with numerous other musicians on this album, and multi-instrumentalism seems to be his strong point, as he strives to step away from the 'one man and his guitar' formula- brass, woodwind, the occasional banjo and all sorts of regular rock instruments are heard throughout the album.

The tempo slows for 'Beginning of the End' and shows a more obvious rock influence for 'Most People'. 'Dangerous' doesn't exactly live up to its title, incorporating again the use of brass and electric guitar but still not creating a memorable track. The repetitive 'Guess I Called' is followed by the pared down and thematically depressing 'The Captain'.

'If You Don't Want Me' and 'Job' are not exactly uplifting either, as Dunne sings of unrequited love and missed opportunity. The second last track of the album, 'Hollywood', is one of its best offerings, with a few catchy hooks and Dunne doing what he does best with the use of a veritable orchestra of instruments.

'Sick and Tired' is a more pared-down love song that like much of the album is neither offensive to the ear nor outstandingly inspiring.

Gary Dunne does his best to do something a little different with 'Simple Truth', and whilst his interesting variation of instruments and genre has to be commended, it is not enough to help him stand out from the mass of similar singer-songwriters competing to be flavour of the month.