GOODBYE TO BRIGHTON
Self Released
Singer/Songwriter, Blues Rock, Jazz Rock.
Listening Format: Digital
'Goodbye to Brighton' is the second full length album by songwriter Nick Lewis, lyrically documenting his fears about turning 30 as well as moving away from his hometown and moving onto new plains in life. Musically the album is very much a transitional phase, as his first album had more of an Electronic influence. For 'Goodbye to Brighton' he has expanded to a five piece band. The album was recorded in just two days, favouring raw and improvisational performances. Sonically, the album takes elements of Blues and Jazz, with saxophones, clean guitars and female vocals. There is a strong influence of Tom Waits, especially in Lewis' croaky vocal delivery and storytelling lyrics.
'Goodbye to Brighton' experiments with both lively, Jazz influenced cuts, as well as slow burner ballads. The album opens with 'One Year', sounding like Lewis is slumped over a guitar in the corner of a seedy jazz club, the audience only half paying attention as he pours his heart out, "I'm sitting here all alone, drinking bourbon on my birthday". The album then shifts drastically into a roaring upbeat number punctuated by screaming sax and half-rapped vocals. There are mid paced radio friendly cuts too like 'Red Wine In the Morning' and 'Call My Own' lead by sharp drumbeats and catchy hooks. 'Heroes' is a straight out Rock song lead by distorted guitars. It is obvious there is a strong sound pallet mix throughout the record with plenty of ideas on show.
Whilst Nicolas & The Saints have delivered a rather diverse album in terms of writing, the actual flow of the album suffers because of it. Having one or two curveballs is always welcome, but I feel like the lyrical concept of 'Goodbye to Brighton' is far more suited to the slow burning ballads. Single 'Molly' in particular nails the style, letting the emotion of Lewis' voice really shine through. The same can be said for 'One Year' and knockout track 'Too Young'. The more this album attempts to be ragged and wild, the more it falters. 'So It Goes' is a sonic mess, the fast shouty, rapped vocals do not sit well upon the screaming saxophones, and it sounds like Lewis is running out of breath. Too many layers in the mix lead to a sound that just doesn't gel. Other tracks like the aforementioned 'Red Wine In the Morning' and 'Call My Own' suffer from being too clean and polite. The darkness, loneliness and bitterness of the lyrics start to lose their impact with an overly ear friendly sound. The album just doesn't manage to portray the true grit and heartache that the vocalist and primary songwriter is feeling inside.
Ultimately, Nicolas & The Saints sound like they would be a blast to see live. Musically they are accomplished, with Nick's vocals especially being a force to be reckoned with. But he doesn't always gel emotionally and sonically with his band here, especially with the female vocalist who tends to clash more than compliment his voice. 'Goodbye to Brighton' is a case of ambitious and sometimes brilliant ideas, presented awkwardly and haphazardly. 6/10.
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