Reviews

Artist: Peter Belsten
Album: Andrea's July
Label: Everyman
Tracks: 11
Website:http://www.peterbelsten.com

"Andrea's July" is a well crafted acoustic pop album that adds strings and piano to the guitar, bass and drum sound to gain a more rounded, more indepth sound. It feels like a very relaxed album, tight but laid back. Peter Belsten has a voice that evokes a lazy Sunday breakfast in the garden. The early morning sun breathing warmth into the date as you take in the morning papers. Similarly his writing style has that manana feel to it. You'll get to the end of the song, but he's not going to rush to get you there and that's fine because you're in no hurry.

The relaxed nature of the album doesn't mean that it laxs texture. The variation in instrumentation gives the album plenty of scope. The raw sentiment of a string and piano orientated song, can be followed by a more strummy guitar centric number giving the album plenty of texture.

Peter knows the value of words, not just what they say, but the context they're said in. An inflection here or there can change a meaning or make you pause for thought. Similarly he knows that life isn't all about high emotion, reality has a habit of kicking in on a regular basis.

"Andrea's July" is an entertaining album that's well written. It feels radio friendly and is easily accessable. More importantly it seems to have got to that pointwithout feeling like it's sacrificed it's integrity. It is what it is and it feels like that's how it's meant to be.

---