Scars legendary guitarist returns following his adventures with Voicex for this arresting and eclectic collection of songs, collaborating across the miles (from Edinburgh to Barcelona, New York City to Rome and closer to home in England) none of the albums contributors met during the recording of the album during 2020 and ’21.
The songs and music are all written and played by the maestro himself while the vocals are shared between Leanne (LeeLoo) Greenman featuring on five of the nine songs, singing duties split equally on the remaining songs between Carrie Furniss and the enigmatically named James.
This album is clearly a labour of love from Paul. It is acutely evident that this quietly unassuming gentleman has thought long and hard, creating exactly the sound he wanted for each track ensuring he has a vocalist that matches the mood and atmosphere of each. Each of the vocalists shines in their own unique way. While they provide their own distinctive idiosyncrasies, these songs very much have a flow and a structure in forming the complete album. Like the seamless flow of scenes in an epic film.
Flourishes and Riffs aplenty
LeeLoo provides the vocal for album opener, Overture. Not before Research brandishes his axe with rock star aplomb. Flourishes and riffs aplenty, ultimately the pulsating driving rhythm and metronomically mesmerising lyrics soundtracks the theme of live music and the struggles of balancing real life with the dream of playing music increasing my longing for the the return of gigs and reminding me of the palpable anticipation just before the band appears.
Supercar is a glam Bowie monster, the sharp production just adding to the sheer glory and joy of the music. This is the song that gives the album its name, an interesting juxtaposition of skating the Royal Mile against the polar opposite of the image of the Supercar, the growling engine reflected in the crunching glam guitar riffs.
LeeLoo hands over the baton to the Carrie Furniss whose glorious vocal shines atop the epic Deal With This. The fractured glitchy intro to Time Stops, fades to reveal a How Soon is Now-esque guitar line over dance beats. Lyrically, Chained to a Radiator takes its influence from the movies, while musically layering frantic guitars and pounding drums with LeeLoo’s stirring vocal.
Hypnotically Beguiling
Then comes the real surprise. Strangers brings the pace down with Paul providing a sympathetic harp based soundtrack to James and his classical near operatic vocal delivery in a story of death, heaven and hell. Strangely and hypnotically beguiling.
Just as you are getting over the (welcome) shock of the beauty and grace of Strangers, a familiar sound hits your ears as Carrie takes over vocal duty again. Not just from James but from Suki as fans of Voicex will recognise the familiar strains of Indecision. More familiarity as the lead single from the album in the shape of Brandenburg Gate follows with its alluring bassline.
The movie is nearly done but there is always time for one last song. James returns to bid us adieu or should that be auf wiedersehen with the affectingly beautiful Ein Letztes Lied, a fitting goodbye to the album and also a touching tribute to Paul’s late mother.
This is an album that swings from crunching rock guitars though to elegant touching moments of sheer grace and charm, it exudes an elegant grandeur and is an entirely enthralling listen.
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