First Songs

Boris Skalsky

KEI

Aug 03, 2009 Web Exclusive By Tom Vale

Boris Skalsky continues to try to go solo, having already once departed from a band (Phaser) to embark on a solo project, only to have that project become another band (Dead Heart Bloom). First Songs is emphatically his own work, written, recorded, and performed by Skalsky, in a fairly unadorned, not to say sleepy, style. Even those with a taste for sad bastard music might think about sending Skalsky some espresso after hearing this one.

He opens with a weary little lament, "Bright Eyes Gone"—classic in tone, like a lost Cat Stevens song (well, one from one of his darker recording sessions). This doesn't achieve lift-off power, but it works as far as it goes. Skalsky's work throughout is always pretty: lacey guitar work combined with a voice like distant thunder.

Tracks such as "Learn to Grieve" sound like something a homesick Irishman might stand up and croon to a misty-eyed crowd at the Starry Plough. It's maudlin stuff, 'dreams crashing down,' etc., dangerous territory for any singer/songwriter, and with his grave, almost Neil Diamond voice, it's all a bit much-serious without being quite moving. That's where this album struggles—it feels, despite the offhand approach to recording, weighed down with importance. Skalsky is blessed with a wide-ranging and enormous talent, but he may benefit from the company of one or two more WTF-attitude bandmates. (www.borisskalsky.com)

Author rating: 5/10

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