JAMES McARTHUR AND THE HEAD GARDENERS – Burnt Moth (Moorland MLAND003)

Burnt MothJames McArthur’s third album, Burnt Moth, is every bit as enigmatic as its predecessor, Strange Readings From The Weather Station. The line-up remains the same with Head Gardeners Jim Willis and John O’Sullivan and guests Samantha Wates, Joel McGill and Colin Somervell. It’s very smooth with lots of strings and piano and James’ whispery vocals in danger of being submerged. James has adopted and adapted the sound of modern white pop music and I’m sad to say it doesn’t really appeal to me.

The opening track ’14 Seconds’ has a strong melody – James isn’t short of those – and is richly orchestrated. Towards the end comes the line “14 seconds to the bunker door” and I reach for the lyrics which, of course, I don’t have. Where did line come from? What does it signify? I’m afraid that I can’t tell you. And that’s my problem: when it comes to song-writing I’m a words man. A good melody is important and James has plenty of those but I want to hear the lyrics with a degree of clarity that I’m not getting here. I could listen to the vocal style with less going on behind it and enjoy these arrangements with a bigger voice in front.

I know that many people will disagree with my assessment and I repeat that Burnt Moth has many good points and I’m frustrated that I can’t raise more enthusiasm for it.

Dai Jeffries

Artist’ website: http://jamesmcarthurmusic.co.uk/#moth

‘Burnt Moth’ – official video: