Our Man In The Field is essentially singer-songwriter Alexander Ellis who grew up in Saltburn in the North East of England but now bases himself in London. His new album, `Silverado` is his first in three years. What ties the record together is Ellis’s curiosity about people and the stories they carry. Drawing on years of touring Britain, Europe, and North America, `Silverado` takes its inspiration from chance encounters, journalism, literature, film, and music, finding songs in conversations, observations and experiences that might otherwise have passed unnoticed. songs about memory, friendship, identity, and the unexpected ways people’s lives overlap
We are drawn into the album via `Don`t Think About It Anymore` a delightfully melodic upbeat fast paced opener which appears to be about reaching that stage in life where you kind of stop worrying about what has obsessed you and have come to terms with where you are in life. The rhythmic drumming leads us on with some sweet guitar riffs, dreamy keys, and pedal steel. We enjoy a more laid back vibe with `Doing Alright` which has a similar sentiment lyrically, the repeated title throughout feels as if it`s a mantra or a positive affirmation that things are fine and all`s well. The percussive beat, occasional cello hues and Hammond organ gave it a delightful, lazy Summer evening atmosphere. I did read that it was about that glance between friends when one is struggling with sobriety and silently looking for support.
Title track `Silverado` is a dreamy ambling walk in yearning of a kind of long gone America. The name evokes the rugged independence, mining heritage, and natural beauty of the American Old West. Hammond organ, trumpet, and sax shades added to the overall imaginate longing. There`s a slight reggae feel to `A Simple Life` whose percussive beat is almost hypnotic. The wonderful PP Arnold trades vocals on this alluring number while the brass tones, dobro guitar and organ add a further exquisiteness to the overall sound.
`Wall of Sound` was informed by a chance encounter with an Arkansas truck driver, whose life has changed significantly over the years, and a television interview with a pub landlord from Doncaster facing the loss of his business. A soulful offering heading towards being spiritual. The soulful mood continues with `Come On` a kind of plea for redemption or that second chance.
`No More` has a kind of funkiness about it and may be a tale of somebody who has reached their limit and is now ready to fight back. The documentaries of Adam Curtis and their exploration of modern life motivated `These are the Days`. If I’m honest I had to search as to what they were and found that they are distinctive, essay-style films exploring political power, psychology, history, and mass control through archival footage and eclectic soundtracks. The number itself is quite illusory and almost dreamlike.
`War Of The Worlds` is maybe a chronicle on an event that has all and sundry alarmed, an invasion possibly otherworldly, unearthly, or supernatural, hinted at but not established. A dreamy reverie that may be a metaphor for existence or life. There`s a kind of melancholic reflection on a relationship that has come off the rails with `Smoke In The Wind` and although the narrator assures himself that he`s alright, It seems like the hurt runs far deeper. The title possibly a symbol of this loss.
`Something Has Got To Be Done` was inspired by Jon Snow’s reporting from a children’s hospital in Gaza and a chance meeting between Ellis and the broadcaster in Paris following the November 2015 terrorist attacks. A plea for change shared across a fast paced melodic musical backing.
`Silverado` is a little different from Alaxander Ellis`s previous albums `The Company Of Strangers` and ‘Gold On The Horizon.’ It`s much more soulful and soul searching maybe offering a more mature side to his talents. The singer has a wonderfully deep and rich vocal range that at times reminded me of Chris Rea, Sting and Paul Simon.
`Silverado` features performances from Ethan Johns, Sonny Landreth, PP Arnold, Robbie McIntosh, Nick Pini, Will Fry and Guy Fletcher. It follows performances supporting Neil Young at Hyde Park and comes ahead of a twelve-date UK tour with Huey Morgan in October, followed by a fifteen-date European and UK tour supporting Chuck Prophet in November.
Rating 9/10
