My family were the last in the world to get a VCR. We were the last on the planet to get Sky TV, and literally, as we speak the final touches are being put to renovations of the house which are the first that have been done for the 38 years I’ve lived here (this is not a joke).
The point I’m making is that it might be genetic that I am late to things. Forgive me, then for not knowing Glen Hansard until I watched the film “Once” about a month ago on Netflix (which by the way, I’ve had for about a year……).
So I can’t claim I know him, or his back catalogue, but I have been listening to music since I was five years old, so know what is good and what isn’t at this point. I am here to tell you that “All That Was East Is West Of Me Now” is stunning.
Four years have passed since his last one. In that time he has been collaborating on the Flag Day soundtrack with Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder and Cat Power, touring with Eddie Vedder as a member of The Earthlings, but here’s the best thing about all this. He recorded “……Now” in the back of a Dublin pub, while it was being used.
Glen Hansard’s latest offering, “All That Was East Is West Of Me Now,” continues to affirm the notion that there’s something truly exceptional in the water of Ireland when it comes to producing remarkable singer/songwriters. While this album echoes the influences of artists like Damien Rice, Foy Vance, and Lee Rogers, Hansard’s distinct touch remains wonderfully poetic and slightly overbearing, establishing its own unique identity.
The journey begins with a screeching guitar solo in “The Feast Of St. John,” immediately capturing your attention and hinting at the musical exploration that lies ahead. In contrast, “Down On Our Knees” introduces a slightly claustrophobic shuffle, only to explode into expansive ideas, fervently pleading for redemption, making it a standout moment that showcases Hansard’s emotive depth.
“No Mountain” offers an incredible harmony between the music and lyrics, emphasizing the sentiment that sometimes, “losing is all we can do,” with no silver lining in sight. Hansard’s ability to effortlessly transition between different musical styles is a marvel to behold, notably felt in the intimate “Sure As The Rain,” where it feels as though he’s speaking directly to you, further enhancing the personal connection. The introduction of French in the chorus adds an intriguing layer of mystery and depth to the track.
“Between Us There Is Music” is an unsettling and enigmatic piece, with haunting harmonies and strings that intensify the sense of unease. “Ghost” introduces a tender piano, bringing a different dimension to the album, with Hansard’s vocals conveying a sense of weariness and vulnerability, creating a somewhat cinematic experience.
“Bearing Witness” delivers a beautiful message with an equally beautiful melody, reminding us that it’s not about what we’re given but what we choose to do with it. “Short Life” finds Hansard musing on the brevity of existence, urging us to seize every moment with a sense of urgency and appreciation.
“All That Was East Is West Of Me Now” solidifies Glen Hansard’s position as a masterful storyteller and musician. With a range of emotions that span from introspective to expansive, the album is a testament to Hansard’s exceptional songwriting skills. This record is a captivating and thought-provoking addition to his impressive body of work, once again demonstrating the remarkable musical alchemy that seems to flow from Ireland, but as an itinerant troubadour, he’ll soon be off in search of the next horizon.
Stop and enjoy this one first, though.
Rating 9/10
