Thursday, 23 April 2009

Album Review: Fink


Fink- 'Sort of Revolution' (Ninja Tune)

It seems that Brighton’s Fin Greenall aka Fink, is a songwriter in demand. He recently worked with John Legend on his ‘Evolver’ album, and being the ‘Legend’ he is, John returns the favour by co-writing two songs on Fink’s latest offering ‘Sort of Revolution’. Fink produced, mixed and mastered his third album himself and it proves to be a fine showcase for his talents.

For the most part the only accompaniment to Fink’s voice and guitar is Guy Whittaker on bass and Tom Thronton on drums. There is an understated, yet almost hypnotic quality to Fink’s music, as the sparse song arrangements bring his laconic vocals to the fore.

The mesmeric opener ‘Sort of Revolution’ draws you in as Fink’s subtle vocals intone over a falling chord sequence. He then teams-up with John Legend on the brooding ‘Move on Me’. It’s certainly a far cry from Legend’s poppier style, but he makes his presence felt with some backing vocals and the occasional piano flourish.

On the lush ‘See It All’ Fink sings about the ‘bright lights in New York’ and the playful a-capella of “Q & A” features some stunning vocal harmonising. ‘If I Had A Million’ just features Fink and his acoustic, as he speculates on how life would change for him and his woman if he became a millionaire

Fink collaborates with John Legend again to potent effect on ‘Maker’, which manages to sound both soulful yet slightly menacing at the same time, particularly when Legend’s powerful vocals lend weight to the chorus.

The dark undercurrents of ‘Maker’ are cleansed with the last number, a beautiful rendition of Jeff Barry’s 70s classic “walking in the sun”. However, while the cover is a nice closer, its Fink’s own low-key indie-folk which makes an indelible impression.

www.myspace.com/finkmusic


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