OWEN McAULAY'S work starts with half a threat that it might be "instructive" in some dour Scots way.
But without noticing how quickly it happens you'll find yourself being drawn into a lyrical and musical world that feels very special, comforting and slightly strange. It's like TOM WAITS on a human scale.
His second release on Smackvan's SANS CULOTTE Records (available via PO Box 3497, Rutherglen, Glasgow, G73 3WF) is a four-track EP that runs for 25 minutes. One listen is definitely not enough. By the time the final notes of "The Fence" have faded, you're hooked and have to play it again.
The earlier "Six Songs" release was a lighter, maybe more accessible recording, whereas "The Dig Up EP" is a fully realised achievement. Poetically, McAULAY reminds me of IVOR CUTLER'S less whimsical moments. His delivery is almost shockingly honest, with a wonderfully natural vision.
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His chords are simple and deliberate: "I see clearly what I want to do/ then do something very different" or "I run it like a movie/ I don't run away this time/ see me put them in the Vicky." This is such mournfully regimented bravado.
The music is a layered mix of plain guitar and weirdly wonderful additions. Owen's voice is gentle and melodic. There's some great saxophone playing and all sorts of delightful noises burrow their way into cunningly created spaces. Surprises all the way include some effective chunks of silence in "The Fence".
Owen is up there with the likes of FRANKIE SPARO and BILL CALLAHAN, carving new territory for the singer/ songwriter. It is a very fine CD.
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