The Captain Of The Lost Waves made his return in March 2024 nearly two years after a life changing road traffic accident where both he and his family were caught up in a police car chase resulting in being hit by the stolen vehicle. During the challenges of such a stark rehabilitation, music was miraculously still being created, albeit in a very slow, laboured and somewhat sedate 'late night fashion'. Where strong painkillers/opioids became married' to those rare and fleeting moments of energetic impulses that screamed out to be expressed - hence a reflective, healing, contemplative album emerged. This is not an album for casual listeners. Don't expect this album to jump out and grab you - but also understand that once you delve in, it may not let you out again... Beautiful Ugly is a difficult album to describe and an album which really defies genres. It is a stripped back, primarily acoustic album which forces you to face difficult topics and reflect on your self but without being preachy or overt. Some of the tracks may take a few listens but in the end this is a beautiful journey. The Captain's voice has a soothing quality but can also invoke a disconcerting edge depending on the mood of the track - a truly emotive performer. The Captain sings, and plays bouzouki and guitar, and he is joined by Damian Clark on keyboards & synths, with Wendy Ross on the violin. The top tracks are Obsidian Whispers, Success In Failure and the title track Beautiful Ugly. Ultimately the Captain is truly unique and there are not a lot of artists out that this music could be compared to, although I feel that he and Canada's Steve Cochrane occupy a similar space. This album is highly recommended BUT be warned you may find yourself getting lost in the web that the Captain weaves. **** David Carswell Where to buy? |
