Paul Lush is Australian born but resident in the UK for more than two decades and has played numerous gigs and sessions for various artists over that time. He is probably best known for his work with Rockingbirds singer Alan Tyler and Danny And The Champions Of The World, whom he joined for the release of Hearts & Arrows in 2011, going on to release three more award-winning studio albums and the double live album Live Champs! to date.
He unveils a new album of original country-soul entitled `Six Ways From Sunday` this month which was inspired partly by the writer’s rural NSW roots.
The album kicks off with `Don’t Tell Me That Now` which is a dreamy contemplation which appears to be about meeting an old flame who shares something that shakes the narrator who isn`t sure if they`ve heard it right but realises that there`s no point revisiting the past and to just continue on as life has transpired. There`s a further ruminative composition with `Ever At A Loss` but it`s shared over a slow burn countrified soundscape with some poignant pedal steel tones.
`You Could’ve At Least Said Something` is an enchanting but slightly bitter reflection on how things might have altered if only the other party had been more upfront with their feelings. The last two thirds have some delicately charming guitar chord riffs and picks up intensity both lyrically and musically. There`s a rolling rhythmic beat to `Philip, You Need To Hear This` which relates to having to tell a friend something they probably already know but haven`t accepted yet, that their relationship with their partner is over and that party has already moved on.
`In A Heartbeat` is a ballad like offering where the narrator isn`t sure where they stand in a relationship although they are smitten. We enjoy a faster paced melodic submission with `As It Stands` which seems to be about making the best out of a situation that you have no control over and moving on.
`Soft Pedalling` musically, has an edge to it and so it should as it hints at the consequences surrounding the fall out in a relationship and how you`re not going to pretend or soften the blow when questioned about it. A slow burn country / americana vibe permeates `You Just Know When You Know` a song of intuition regarding a courtship heading south.
`Someone That You Used To Know` is a finger picking mid paced foot tapper where the storyteller feels that their partner`s ardour has cooled. We have a pretty melancholic reflection in `No One Comes Out Of This Looking Good`.
`For What It’s Worth` has some captivating guitar riffs shared over a rolling beat which allows the writer to express their thoughts on a liaison that seems on the slide. The intricate and complex guitar chord riffs which lead us in and the pedal steel tones that join in, kind of mirror the sorrow of the narrator`s childhood in `Trail Of Tears`.
The album concludes with a more uplifting rockier number with `Little Things` where life at last seems to on the rise for our chronicler.
Paul provided vocals, guitars, and mandolin and was supported by other musicians such as Alan Gregg on bass, Steve Brooks on drums, Henry Senior on pedal steel, Danny George Wilson on backing vocals and Sean Read on keyboards, percussion, and backing vocals.
`Six Ways From Sunday` appears pretty empirical if the lyrics are genuine or maybe Paul just has a keen eye for observation. The album has a warm country come Americana texture at its heart and certainly manages to draw you into it`s web of intrigue and life consequences.
Rating 8 /10
