Reviews

Artist: Trev Williams
Album:Guiding Star
Label: Trev Williams Music
Tracks: 10
Rating: ***
Contact:  www.trevwilliams.co.uk

Based in Faringdon in the Vale Of The White Horse, Trev Williams, looks skyward for the inspiration for his latest album, "Guiding Star", an album that takes reference and influence from stars past and present, but ultimately uses those influences as guide ropes along it's own path.
There are a number of influences that come out in Trev's acoustic pop/rock sound tinged with folk and indie at the edge. It's an album that crosses over well, swirling around pop influences that include the likes of the Monkeys from past generations with Radiohead from more recent ones. You can hear acts as diverse as the Kinks and Damien Rice, bubbling up through the sound.
Trev Williams takes on a lot of the music responsibilty, as well as the singing, contributing guitar, piano and bass, as well as arrangement. Other musicians are brought in for percussion, flute and backing vocals. It came as no surprise to discover that Trev describes himself as a freelance composer on his website, rather than singer/songwriter. "Guiding Star" doesn't feel like a conventional album, more a showcase. As a whole, I think the album suffers for it, but there are some truly outstanding moments.
Any song that can draw a comparison with Ray Davies has got to be special in anyones book and "Girlfriend" does have that touch. Another track "I Did It For You" and the track that it backs into "Cut In Two" are songs that would be strong in almost any company and, as far as the album goes, are exceptional tracks. There's a lot of artists that Trev Williams could deliver material for.
By a similar standard, "Hyena" and the title track "Guiding Star" are really good tracks, that capture the attention. I just don't think they should be on the same album as the previously mentioned ones.
I don't think that there is a doubt that Trev Williams knows how to write songs. The tracks on this album are proof of that. He's also a more than competent multi-instrumentalist, with the vocal talent to bring out the best in his material. I suspect he also has the talent to bring out the best in those around him. If you're looking to commision a one off piece or even have your work adapted and adopted by Trev, I think he could do a cracking job. Similarly given a theme to work an abum around I think he could compose you an album that everyone would be proud of. Unfortunately, I just don't feel "Guiding Star" works as a suite of songs.

---