The contrasting structure of the album title suggests an
artist toying with a multitude of feelings. This leads into a record supported
by a strong indie spine, flavoured with folk sensibilities and allowed to
saunter into occasional classic rock territory. ALONE, TOGETHER is Daniel
Pearson’s third album release and joins his previous efforts in punching above
its weight. This time a central streak of orchestral grandeur weaves around the
variety of core guitar input suggesting a middling maturity to Daniel’s music. Not
an ounce of the forty minute playing time is wasted as nine tracks succinctly
portray the intended conviction of a singer-songwriter strong on sentimental
message.
The numerous string arrangements differentiate this from
Daniel’s other albums which have all had their release on Saint in the City
Records. However the carefully constructed lyrics remain to decorate a clarity
evocative vocal style ensuring maximum listener impact. If you’re acquainted
with Daniel’s music, there will be an air of familiarity in the track ‘I Still Believe’ as it gets a subtle
makeover from its original version appearing on 2012’s MERCURY STATE. While an
element of curiosity revolves around the re-work, the effect of this
outstanding and resounding anthem is rock solidly profound and retains the
power to impress.
While similar anthemic vibes surround the track ‘War Stories’, it is probably album
opener ‘Hymn for the Hopeless’ which
delivers the record’s strongest theme. With the strings in full flow, this
antidote to despair gives a voice to the moments of somber feelings and reveals
Daniel’s song writing with its deepest sense of conviction. On the acoustic
front, Daniel mixes more violin input with standard folk instrumentation on ‘The Open Sea’ a track which sees the
writing at its figurative finest. ‘Come
Back Around’ memorably closes the record with similar acoustic effect and successfully
plants a yearning desire in the listener’s mind.
For those requiring a little extra rock sound to their
music, both ‘The Bridge’ and ‘Rivers’ will oblige. The latter is not
afraid to let the electric guitar take control from the opening bars, while the
former is that directive stray into the waters of classic rock, albeit in a
mild portion. ‘As Deep as Love’ and ‘Circles’ seamlessly merge into the mood
of the album without necessarily reaching some of the peaks, but still maintaining
the continual flow of mixing prime passion with sensitive nuances.ALONE, TOGETHER is powerful music with a conscience, awash with acoustic reverence and orchestral pomp. Daniel Pearson’s style offers compassionate writing with stirring emotion and each release adds more than a ripple to any pool of placid singer-songwriter activity. The record deserves a chance to impress and will reward subsequent choices.
