The Open Secrets
Album: Rain Upon The Sea
Label: Zebulon
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.theopensecrets.co.uk

The Bristolian quartet of the Open Secrets return with their sophomore album 'Rain Upon The Sea' which consists of ten tracks in the UK Bluegrass and Americana styles. Their self-titled debut was released (and reviewed here in Fatea Magazine) a couple of years ago and I find myself referring to a point that my fellow reviewer, Neil King picked up on in his review of the aforementioned release, that being an "increasingly crowded market".

Firstly, I have really enjoyed this collection as much for its balanced variety of instruments (such as the guitar, banjo, violin and percussion) as for its vocal harmonies. Every track seems to get better the further on you go and there certainly is a great country Bluegrass feel which is always a delight to hear especially when it emanates from the UK.

'Miss the train' introduces us to the Open Secrets sound without really leaping out at you. I love the rhythm and beats to 'Burning bright' but sadly the solo vocals are a little weak in parts which is a great shame as instrumentally it hits the spot.

Standout tracks for me are the title track which includes smooth and mellow vocals from Steve Page that are certainly at their best accompanied here with the gentle guitar strumming and splendid violin. I think the slower ditties are definitely more suited to Steve's vocals. 'Matador' is the other that definitely supports my theory that the slowies with minimal instrumentation are the Open Secrets strongest offerings.

In between the above two tracks is the catchy rock and roll tinged 'So cruel'. This is definitely one for jiving on the dance floor too and it has a tasty piano, violin and clapping sound to it.

I love the inclusion of the Sousaphone (played by Vic Love) on 'Beloved' which adds a different element to their sound a bit like an oom-pah rhythm. Could this be the way forward for the group in adding these different and unique elements to their songs a bit like the Bumper Jacksons maybe? Another unique element comes with the Hammond b3 organ courtesy of Simon Kendall on the laid back 'Lie to you' and 'Tom Simpson blues' the latter having a more upbeat and toe-tapping feel.

Going back to my earlier referencing of the crowded market there are a lot of similar UK bands like The Backyard Burners, The Diablos and The Ray Peters Band. The Open Secrets can certainly hold one's own but I am unsure if they currently have enough to stand out as opposed to blending in with the crowd. Regardless of this, Rain Upon The Sea is an enjoyable, albeit another short collection of pleasing delights. The instrumentation especially the guitar, violin and the unique introduction of organ and tuba is very good but sadly some of the solo vocals are not as polished in parts. Also, I believe for their next release they should look no further than their name to unlock the 'secret' missing ingredient that I'm sure will transport them to the next level.

Craig Parry