Ambitious sophomore effort impresses, leaves room for improvement
It’s not everyday that you hear about a fine arts student giving up his trade and taking on songwriting, let alone becoming successful at it—but alternative/folk/pop innovator Luke Temple is just that. The New England native attended the school of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, but decided music was his true calling after finding the visual arts “too cloistered for his liking.” After releasing both an EP and debut album over the past few years, the fine artist-turned-musician has unveiled Snowbeast, his sophomore effort and next installment in his unique journey.
Temple’s music is really quite something to behold, namely because of the sheer amount of creative energy that seems to be fueling him. The songwriter’s performance on Snowbeast can best be described as a playful and care-free exploration through the realms of pop melodies, folk narratives and instrumental experimentation. Sweet and often high-pitched vocals are accompanied by gentle guitar, groovy percussion and free-floating synthesizer, among some other interesting sound effects. While somewhat messy at times, the result is a collection of songs that really convey a sense of authenticity.
Although experimentation in music can be great, the backing instrumentation on Snowbeast does on occasion seem to get a bit carried away. Quirky synth sounds and odd percussion patterns add character and flavor to the songs, but are also sometimes irritating and distracting. In fact, what is perhaps the greatest track on the entire album is actually the most conservative—“ People Do,” a charming acoustic piece fashioned in classic folk style, is a shining example of Temple’s songwriting and poetic abilities that shows the artist at his all-time best on Snowbeast.
In no way should this suggest that Temple is too creative or experimental—his unconventional approach comes as a huge relief to those of us who may have become bored with the sometimes overly-conventional genres he works with. Nevertheless, it seems that this ambitious songwriter will have to focus his artistic drive just a bit more carefully if he wants his talent to really shine through.
| Reviewer: Sean Butze Added: August 16th 2007 |
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