There’s more to Pete Jones than meets the eye. A very
talented musician who’s been in the business for years. Brian Brain, Cowboys
International, Public Image Ltd and of course recently with the extremely entertaining and busy
Department S.
I’ve been a fan of Pete’s work for years & I was excited
to learn about his solo project. ‘’SOLO’’ is very appropriate in this
case. Written and performed by Pete with a little help from Leigh Heggarty from
Ruts DC. Mastered by Pete Maher, It is a very good record, very, very good.
Not Rock, not pop, not punk. I don’t know, I’m not some
highly educated music press bloke, I’m just a fan who loves music, and I’m not
putting it in any sort of box.
So what do you get for your money? 8 tracks of pure joy for
sure.
The Album starts with Ocean
Blue, a sombre but rhythmic track, with a beautiful guitar to it. A slow
start to the album, but it flows into something quite relaxing and enjoyable,
very mellow.
Then we get a track of a very different flavour. Liar is just bloody excellent. A
powerful, thumping intro. It has a very catchy beat that just wants you to
start rocking. I love this track and think this would be a great single. This will definitely be a crowd pleaser if
played live.
Time After Time follows.
Again I love this track. It’s an absolute gem. A very 1980’s indie feel in its
composition. A pleasant surprise is for
me, as a Bass player, Pete actually delivers some great vocals throughout the
album.
Basket of Hands,
changes the flow again. An electro synth track, with minimal vocals. Vague
hints of Kraftwerk with a mix of something else. A good track.
Spanish Snow is
obviously very much a Spanish influenced track with its guitar style, brass
section and the obligatory castanets, but distinct Jonesy vocals. You can actually dance to this one, I don’t
mean pogo, I mean grab the Mrs and dance. It’s an absolutely beautiful track.
The Reason Why is
another synth influenced track. Pete has developed his own style down the
years. I love the vocals on this one. The flow and bob along in an easy to
follow manner. That makes you just embrace the track. It’s a bit of a grower
this one. It took a few listens before I really got into it. But I’m glad I
kept at it.
The second to last track is Psycho Drill. This is
another track that sounds like a single. A great indie pop track (yep, I just
put it in a box). I love it. Pete has
made available, as a download, a remix by Rogue
Sector – grab it, it’s amazing and takes the track to another level. I can’t praise this track enough, It’s a fave
of mine and a pure joy to listen to.
We then come to the final track of the album. The
self-titled Contrivances for the Soul.
I struggle with this track. I’m not sure
how to describe it really. It’s slower in pace and kind of eases you out of the
album. It’s an unusual track. It’s not a bad track as all. Just very different.
You’re just going to have to listen for yourself and make a decision.
Overall I was very pleased with the album. It cant be easy
creating a project, giving it life and making a very personal musical
expression public for others to review and criticise.
I’ll be grabbing a vinyl copy for sure. It’s a very good
piece of work and something I’m sure you will all enjoy and Pete will be proud
of.
