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Gillen & Turk - Backs to the Wall
- In their debut album, Backs to the Wall, Gillen & Turk present a rock-infused folk album that hints at world music influences. With a variety of instruments, including mandolin, kalimba and washboard, Backs to the Wall is an eclectic mix of the familiar and the slightly exotic. Reminiscent of great musicians like Bob Dylan and the Beatles, Gillen & Turk are both poets and political commentators, and their statements are framed by top-notch playing and original instrumentation.
In the title track, “Backs to the Wall,” Gillen & Turk create a typically mellow, folk track, with traditional politically-charged lyrics. Though Gillen & Turk’s vocals could be stronger and the melody could be catchier, “Backs to the Wall” is a decent track.
Gillen & Turk really shine in “It Really Matters,” a reggae-inspired track featuring excellent guitar riffs and passionate lyrics, and “Come Away with Me,” a darker, '70s-rock inspired track that is slightly more poignant than its folk companions.
Though Gillen & Turk’s vocals are sometimes shaky, particularly in the opening track, “These Nameless Streets,” their colorful use of instruments and powerful lyrics are excellent. Their folk-inspired album is a tribute to past musicians who used music albums as both platforms for political messages and vehicles for music excellence. In the case of Gillen & Turk, Backs to the Wall easily gets its political opinions across, but Gillen & Turk have to work just a little harder to demonstrate their vocal talents. Nevertheless, Backs to the Wall is a good, solid album, one worth listening to.
Reviewer: C.J. Trent
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Reviewer's Rating: 7.5
Reader's Rating: 0
Reader's Votes: 0
Added: 11-Jun-2008
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