John McKeown - Things Worth Fighting For
The majority of the songs on John McKeown’s debut album ‘Things Worth Fighting For’ are subtle, soothing and tranquil as you drift away with them. The plucking of guitar strings is very dominant but drifts between subtleness and tougher notes. There are the gentle taps of piano keys that sometimes get a little lively and the thump of a drumbeat. Quite often a song will begin delicately but then be built upon with a variety of instruments and melodies. By the end, some of them gain jazzy little beats with movable rhythms. ‘Blood’ is slyer with an inner sinister and mysterious ambiance, not only vocally but also musically. The song gets more pronounced and speeds up notch as it develops. Likewise, ‘For You’ may begin slower but builds anticipation and excels itself passionately as the music erupts with a fuller sound.
One thing that is curious about this release is whom the female vocals belong to. They are present on a few of the tracks, singing verse lines and adding harmonies. As for McKeown, his vocals wisp along with the music like a butterfly fluttering through a summer sky. When vocals and music are combined, the outcome is a visionary set of lyrics. This is most notable on ‘Candy Girl’ as it is here with the mix of guitar pings, drums beats and gentle keys the chorus sets the image of arms waving from side to side at a gig.
‘Things Worth Fighting For’ is not for fans of a more alternative style of music, however the ambition and song writing ability can be appreciated by anyone. This is a well-written and very well constructed piece of musical art.