As Take That once sang, “Babe…. I’m back again!” Maybe this is relevant to me, maybe my buddy Jason McIver, he who, from his Motueka home, is having a great time bringing out some exceptional guitar-based music, heartfelt and thoughtful. Rich like melted chocolate, and leaving you wanting more.
Bewitching and atmospheric, new single Aurelia Blue is out already. Thanks to things I will not speak of here, I am reviewing in retrospect. We kick off with a reverb-washed intro run on the acoustic geetar, promptly jumping straight into some of Jason’s powerful, clear tenor as he pays homage to finding a peaceful and serene love with someone and with oneself too. Pay attention to the hidden depth in the lyrics as our wordsmith enjoys hiding his heart in deceptively open lyrics twisted into an un-sweet yet sweet, melancholy melody.
Some lush production drops in a little cymbal rolling, gorgeous additional reverb as the verses end and a low, uncompromising yet subtle bass line anchoring the whole thing. The percussion is well considered and balanced, and lead guitar sits behind the mix until ready to burst out into a nicely timed solo. Smooooooooth synth strings bring this into the lexicon of sound beautifully. We don’t get shredding, we get emotive notation and again we’re left wanting more as the solo keeps itself strictly within a handful or bars.
I get a Delta Blues/Swamp Blues/Gospel vibe from this one. I’m envisioning dark blue or violet lighting as the trees stand as dark presences, while a boat rolls slowly through the silvery shimmering waters of the Delta swamps, an old lamp on the prow. Jason amidships, singing with an old acoustic as a band mate sits behind with a banjo (not in the mix but would look the part).
This slowie is a fabulously worked track, dripping with personality and atmos. Great work by Jason on the lead vox, Nelson’s Allister Meffan who ran the desk jockey roles alongside the bass and keyboards. The track was mastered at Studio 7120, and it all came together for a truly divine experience if this is the kind of genre for you. Big hand raised in deference to Luke Wilkes for providing the je ne sais quoi via the lead guitar parts.
Altogether it reminds me why Jason has been in this game for as long as he has, and why he commands attention each time he provides one of his intensely considered releases. This one has atmos, visual stimuli provided by sound, effortlessly professional performances and is crying out for a vid!
It’s on the platforms now, so whaddaya waitin’ fer??
This review was written by a human (a claim occasionally challenged by my nearest and dearest). If you have doubts please use the following tool or something like it to reassure yourself. NOTE: I am not being paid to advertise this service:
Flash-trax 
Leave a comment