Paolo Nutini’s ‘Caustic Love’ might just be the most
overhyped album of 2014 so far. You’d be hard pressed to go anywhere at
the moment without seeing the Scottish singer songwriter’s face emblazoned
across a billboard, a TV screen or a Spotify account. But is this really
the album the public wants? Or is Nutini just the latest example of the
industry’s determination to force serious guitar music on to the masses?
The excessive marketing is understandable. It’s been
five years since Nutini’s second album ‘Sunny Side Up’ was released so, with
this long-awaited and more
mature release, it’s time to reassert his position. And that
position seems to be as the next big soul star, a position that’s already
overcrowded.
Nutini does little to distinguish himself, besides his
unique sandpaper vocals. ‘Caustic Love’ might be a step on from the
annoyingly jaunty ska
and doo-wop inspired songs from his previous albums, but this is still a fusion
of soul, rock, funk and blues that rarely strays from James Brown
territory. Opening track and lead single Scream (Funk My Life Up) establishes
the funky soulful sound that feels like a man covering Janelle Monae.
Ironically enough Monae crops up later on Fashion, immediately elevating
the track with her effortless cool. Better Man is a typical
acoustic snoozefest, whilst tracks like One Day, Numpty and Looking
For Something roll together into a string of derivative, if well executed, songs.
When Nutini does break the mould he proves his
potential. Iron Sky is the album’s centrepiece – a six minute
storm of raining guitars, stomping drums and a pained, impassioned vocal that
together reach an almighty crescendo in the final third. The effect is
superbly powerful. It’s followed by Diana, a downbeat and moody
slice of jazz soul with a wandering bass, light touches of organ and a vocal
that’s more subtle but no less raw than the previous track. The album
then closes with the gently lilting Someone Like You, Nutini’s vocal
supported solely by bass guitar in a move that’s worlds away from the
overwrought opening track.
It’s clear that Nutini is posited as a serious and talented musician, with
a suitably caustic voice that lends a wealth of emotion to each and every vocal
line. Yet he’s equally a musician living in the past. This is not
an album that reimagines soul music for a new generation, but simply replicates
past glories. Does this really herald the return of serious guitar
music? Your move music industry…
3/5
Gizzle’s Choice:
* Iron Sky
* Diana
* Someone Like You
Listen: ‘Caustic Love’ is available now.
