Here's the facts ; Tony Wright, aka Versechorusverse is an Irish singer songwriter, in a mould somewhere between Tom MacRae and Howard Elliott Payne, and VCV is his eponymous debut album. He's also a former member of 'And So I Watch You From Afar'.
It's fair to say, his new found voice and style have absolutely nothing in common with ASIWYFA, for a start there's a voice, a good one at that, acoustic guitars, banjo, strings and even some pedal steel thrown in. It all adds up to a lovely, assured debut full of gorgeous sing a longs and melodies, even if the subject matter at times is quite revealing and clearly aimed at his past colleagues and (?) friends.
Darkest song on the album is Three, an aching lament to his former band "three against one, ain't no fun, unless you're the three, but that ain't me".....I'd love to know what happened there, but if it produces songs as beautiful as this, I don't really care.
This however is pretty much out of kilter with the rest of the album, being pretty much upbeat and rousing, especially live which I'm looking forward to seeing for myself at the end of April.
My favourite on the album is We Spoke with the Night, a mid tempo, soaring string infused tune, with Tony's voice a little Steve Hogarth-like.
So, some memorable songs and interesting lyrics from a guy who has just found his voice, formerly of a band that didn't have one, making this a lovely debut album you won't regret having in you record collection.
Keith @kjsmith4082
8/11
VerseChrousVerse's debut album is available on itunes
VerseChrousVerse is playing the following live dates with Nine Black Alps:
Tue 22nd April - HULL Fruit
Wed 23rd April - NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Thu 24th April - CHESTER Live Rooms
Fri 25th April - STOKE The Underground
Sat 26th April - WAKEFIELD The Hop
Mon 28th April - MILTON KEYNES Craufurd Arms
Tue 29th April - READING The Bowery District
Wed 30th April - BRISTOL The Fleece
Thu 01st May - BIRMINGHAM The Flapper
Fri 02nd May - HEBDEN BRIDGE Trades Club
Sat 3rd May – GLASGOW , Audio