As sometimes happens, we turn to the biography for inspiration. ‘R.G’ is a Devon record shop owner apparently, and this is a concept album.
Given that it’s a far from cheerful collection of tunes, this job must have had some bearing as it seems that the decline of the industry has seeped into his psyche. Also, in true Sherlock Holmes fashion, we can deduce from the music and the mood that he stocks a lot of country!
To be honest, I’d expected more, especially given that it’s on the usually reliable Static Caravan label – the fuzzy guitar on the opening, title track is fine but especially after the moothie kicks in it’s all just a bit too drawn out. Plus, for every Neil Young there’s a dangerous line that can only lead to Lynrd Skynrd – read: big and a bit bloated.
Though conversely, the bulk of the release is just a wee bit too chilled. Indeed, closing track enitled ‘Weary’ seems so worn down by what’s preceded it that the fingerpicking disappears into a cloak of background noise and the track seems unable to make its way out of the speakers. ‘Poor Cow’ offers a wee bit of change with a vocal from bassist Sarah Morrison which focuses the mind on the tune but on the whole it’s fairly unremarkable country. Given a similar theme, a Nick Cave or a Johnny Cash would grab the opportunity to get angry and railing against… well, whatever is making R.G. and chums so unhappy, but like this listener, Diamond Valley’s crew just sound a bit defeated.
