Although W&H were curiously underwhelmed by JOHNATHAN RICE'S performance at a recent London solo soiree, there's no denying we've been captivated by the well-connected youngster's debut album "Trouble Is Real" in recent months.
Always one one the standouts from the album, "Kiss Me Goodbye" is one of Rice's more immediate, quintessentially punchy power pop moments and one where he's not afraid to flaunt his superior understanding of melody. It harbours distinct tinges of Wilco (roughly circa "Summerteeth") as well as Guided By Voices and (inevitably) mid-period REM and is the perfect vehicle for Rice's cracked'n'grainy voice.
The bonus tracks are worthy of your attention, too. "Mary Ann Is Lost" is never less than downhome, folksy and intrinsically melancholic, while the closing "May The Road Rise To Meet You" is even better. It's drowsy, sultry and gentle with only upright piano, wafts of pedal steel and the barest shiver of tambourine to accompany Rice's acoustic guitar and frail vocal. It recalls a straighter Howe Gelb and/ or Neil Young at his loveliest and once again reminds us that young Mr.Rice - for all his acting aspirations and friendship with the US underground's key players - had the required talent tucked away inside all along.
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