Dave McPherson
Normally when you hear the name Dave McPherson you’d think of InMe, but more recently, Dave has taken time off from their relentless touring schedule to record his new solo and acoustic album, Dreamoirs. Described as offering up the complete and sublime intellectual capacity of this gifted and truly hard working songwriter, Dave has been working since 2007 to craft acoustic tracks designed for the listeners pleasure. Managing to fit this in alongside his InMe duties is testament to Dave’s hard work and determination, writing an album that reflects on life and packing it with thought and passion. Due for release in June of this year and with a heavy touring schedule coming up to help promote it, I figured I’d take a listen and see what sound Dave was going for.
Opening with Snowball it’s immediately striking how laid back a sound Dave has gone for here, combining soft acoustic guitar lines with soft drumming and soothing bass, then adding his own soaring vocals over the top to complete the sound. Immediately presenting us with a sound that’s chilled out, calm and the opposite end of the spectrum to a lot of InMe stuff, it’s a hell of an opening to things from the word go. Uplifting, calm and reflective throughout, despite it being the first time I’d heard this track, it was like I’d heard it before, there’s just that sense of familiarity to things – something which is sure to help people connect with things. Lady Luck continues this approach further, once again using the acoustic tones of the guitar to the best of their abilities and crafting a sound which verges on soft pop rock, but with more sincerity. Catchy and uplifting throughout, this is a track which has the potential to become a live favourite in no time, getting everyone singing along and joining in from the word go, definitely a track to check out if you get a chance.
The Wilderness marks a slight change in things, initially opening in a far more emotional manner before once again using the intricate guitar work to lift things back up to the soothing place they started in. Strings back up the mix throughout, creating a sound which doesn’t just follow the conventions of this album, but add in a sense of depth and power, something that demonstrates just how able a musician Mr McPherson really is. Listening to this track it’s striking how much of a range Dave has vocally, roving across scales with aplomb and backing up the music on offer throughout. Her Majesty’s Prism is further testament to this, ushering in an upbeat yet chilled out mix of hushed vocals and soaring guitar work designed to accompany happy moments in life. This was one of my personal favourites from the album, there’s just a real sense of good feelings throughout this track, offering up a sound which is going to lift you out of even the worst of moods. I’d even be so daring as to suggest this track is like an acoustic version of the Devin Townsend Project – listen to the middle section of the song and you’ll see what I mean – but it’s a hell of an achievement!
Progressing through Grotesque Is A Beautiful Word, Kingdom, I’m Possible and Relics Of Don Quixote the album continues to push the boundaries of what should be possible on an acoustic record, with some tracks offering up a moment of simple calm reflectiveness, and other moments (such as the latter) offering a far more fast paced demonstration of musical ability. It’s when Ambivert Melanconnoisseur (yeah….you try saying that one after a couple of beers!) comes about though that another high point is reached, combining different levels of guitar work with emotional and powerful vocals. To me, this track has single potential for the simple reason that it’s incredible. Powerful, deep and evocative from the word go, the lyrics of this track will captivate you, the music will send shivers down your spine, and you’ll be left unable to do anything as it comes to a close, other than go back through it all over again.
It’s only then left to Mortals to close the album, finishing on an upbeat note packed with more of those melodic guitar tones and soft backing rhythms. The opening moments of this track reminded me of Puddle Of Mudd ‘Blurry’, but this comparison soon fades away as Dave’s vocals come in to take the lead. Catchy, upbeat and once again a demonstration of just how able a musician this man is, the closing moments may finish the album, but they leave things wide open for a follow up – something I sincerely hope Dave considers.
Now, I’ve seen InMe live several times, and every time found myself blown away by the sheer level of energy on the stage. With Dave McPherson and Dreamoirs though we’re presented with a whole new approach, a whole new sound, and a whole new reason to check his music out. From start to finish this is an album which is uplifting, powerful, melodic and catchy, keeping you listening throughout and reminding you of how good acoustic music really can be. Definitely an album to check out, and with his tour this year, there’s no excuse not to get out to see him live.
Highly recommended.
To find out more about Dave McPherson, check out his Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Opening with Snowball it’s immediately striking how laid back a sound Dave has gone for here, combining soft acoustic guitar lines with soft drumming and soothing bass, then adding his own soaring vocals over the top to complete the sound. Immediately presenting us with a sound that’s chilled out, calm and the opposite end of the spectrum to a lot of InMe stuff, it’s a hell of an opening to things from the word go. Uplifting, calm and reflective throughout, despite it being the first time I’d heard this track, it was like I’d heard it before, there’s just that sense of familiarity to things – something which is sure to help people connect with things. Lady Luck continues this approach further, once again using the acoustic tones of the guitar to the best of their abilities and crafting a sound which verges on soft pop rock, but with more sincerity. Catchy and uplifting throughout, this is a track which has the potential to become a live favourite in no time, getting everyone singing along and joining in from the word go, definitely a track to check out if you get a chance.
The Wilderness marks a slight change in things, initially opening in a far more emotional manner before once again using the intricate guitar work to lift things back up to the soothing place they started in. Strings back up the mix throughout, creating a sound which doesn’t just follow the conventions of this album, but add in a sense of depth and power, something that demonstrates just how able a musician Mr McPherson really is. Listening to this track it’s striking how much of a range Dave has vocally, roving across scales with aplomb and backing up the music on offer throughout. Her Majesty’s Prism is further testament to this, ushering in an upbeat yet chilled out mix of hushed vocals and soaring guitar work designed to accompany happy moments in life. This was one of my personal favourites from the album, there’s just a real sense of good feelings throughout this track, offering up a sound which is going to lift you out of even the worst of moods. I’d even be so daring as to suggest this track is like an acoustic version of the Devin Townsend Project – listen to the middle section of the song and you’ll see what I mean – but it’s a hell of an achievement!
Progressing through Grotesque Is A Beautiful Word, Kingdom, I’m Possible and Relics Of Don Quixote the album continues to push the boundaries of what should be possible on an acoustic record, with some tracks offering up a moment of simple calm reflectiveness, and other moments (such as the latter) offering a far more fast paced demonstration of musical ability. It’s when Ambivert Melanconnoisseur (yeah….you try saying that one after a couple of beers!) comes about though that another high point is reached, combining different levels of guitar work with emotional and powerful vocals. To me, this track has single potential for the simple reason that it’s incredible. Powerful, deep and evocative from the word go, the lyrics of this track will captivate you, the music will send shivers down your spine, and you’ll be left unable to do anything as it comes to a close, other than go back through it all over again.
It’s only then left to Mortals to close the album, finishing on an upbeat note packed with more of those melodic guitar tones and soft backing rhythms. The opening moments of this track reminded me of Puddle Of Mudd ‘Blurry’, but this comparison soon fades away as Dave’s vocals come in to take the lead. Catchy, upbeat and once again a demonstration of just how able a musician this man is, the closing moments may finish the album, but they leave things wide open for a follow up – something I sincerely hope Dave considers.
Now, I’ve seen InMe live several times, and every time found myself blown away by the sheer level of energy on the stage. With Dave McPherson and Dreamoirs though we’re presented with a whole new approach, a whole new sound, and a whole new reason to check his music out. From start to finish this is an album which is uplifting, powerful, melodic and catchy, keeping you listening throughout and reminding you of how good acoustic music really can be. Definitely an album to check out, and with his tour this year, there’s no excuse not to get out to see him live.
Highly recommended.
To find out more about Dave McPherson, check out his Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls