Reviews
Adam Sweet Album: Mortuary Blues
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: https://adamsweetmusic.com/
Unbelievably, it's been 6 years since Adam Sweet's last full studio album "Sink Or Swim" was released. As one of the most hard-working and accomplished artists around he has been busy with a full gigging schedule and clearly… he's been getting down to some serious writing and composing!
The album kicks off in fine style with a guitar riff that perfectly sets up what the album is going to offer. This is the title track "Mortuary Blues" and as well as infectious groove, there are also examples of the growth in confidence and skill in Adam's lyric writing. There are witty references (which also pop up in other tracks!) to the hardships of trying to survive financially a working musician. Some great, memorable lines:
"There's too much month at the end of the money" and:"Can't get me a mortgage - but I got me a mortuary!" (refers to the amazing studio space Sweet has built inside a disused mortuary building in Devon.)
"Full Moon Fight" gets going at a headlong pace until the rather charming, dreamy, Beatles-esque harmonies join in the refrain. Adam's music often reminds the listener of other artists without ever actually slavishly imitating. For example, the duetting guitars on "Did it For the Money" sent me back to old Thin Lizzy, and the melodic guitar theme on "Eatin's Cheatin'" sent me back to my joss-stick-and-Indian-wall-hangings days listening to Peter Frampton's Comes Alive!
"Eatin's Cheatin' is the only fully instrumental track on the album. It has an absolutely infectious groove - perfect for towelling off and getting dressed after a shower … although I find it has to be played on repeat to last long enough for this… (Too much information…?)
Alongside the blistering bluesy tracks, there is plenty here to showcase another side of Adam's output. There are some exceptional ballads. "Backstop" is a beautiful, personal love song with a deceptively simple structure. The delicate guitar intro sets up accompaniment for a gorgeously sensitive vocal that reminds me of Jackson Browne. The duet with Alex Hart on "White Lies" showcases an exquisite blending of two beautiful voices.
A quick note about Adam's vocals and songwriting. I think he used to feel less confident as a singer than as a guitarist. He once told me he didn't think of himself as a singer-songwriter over the last few years he has really grown in confidence I think and the vocal performances are really strong throughout this album. He has a precise and expressive voice, able to go full tilt or slow right down without any histrionics or unnecessary elaboration. The lyrics are always allowed to show through. Most of the tracks here are co-written with band members and others, although another lovely song, "Ashes and Ice" is credited only to Adam himself. There are witty and sharp and tightly phrased lyrics all through the album.
The album closes with a gorgeous soulful groove on "No Way of Knowing" - a perfect showcase for the brilliant band of musicians Adam has been touring with: the interplay here - and throughout the album - between Adam's guitars, Paddy Blight's driving inventive bass and the rich keyboard work from Tom Hughes and rock-solid but never over-bearing drums from Gary Kroll add up to a really full sound - skillfully arranged and produced. The album was tracked live in the studio and really catches the excitement Adam and his band produce in live performance. Get details of where you can hear Adam live from his website - it's always a treat watching him play!
Adam's music treads an exciting line between the familiar and reminiscent, and the unexpected and innovative. While solidly in the bluesy / soul Americana genre, his songwriting is full of surprises and unconventional twists that make any new release something to really relish. "Mortuary Blues" has already been my backdrop to several long drives, and I am sure it will continue to be with me in the car for some time ahead!
This, and previous releases, are all available from the usual platforms , Bandcamp, and of course from Adam's own website at www.adamsweetmusic,com. It is available as download, CD or vinyl.
Greg Hancock
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