Broken Voices - Broken Voices
Lessons of Love Halls of Justice Restless Heart Into Your Arms I Have No Words Secret Affair Wanted Your Secret Is Out Tangled Skeins I've Got Everything Label: Thoughtscape Sound Year: 1997 Producer: Graham Goble Total Playing Time: 45:50 m:s
Featuring Graham Goble (main songwriter) and Stephen Housden from the Little River Band, together with vocalist Susie Ahern, my initial impression of this Aussie band was that they sound like they should come from somewhere a lot closer to home. If I described Clannad as Traditional Irish Folk with a hint of Pop and The Corrs as Pop with a hint of Traditional Irish, then Broken Voices are AOR with a hint of Celtic. Susie's vocals are upfront and have a crystal clear quality that I normally associate with folk singers. I think this impression was re-enforced by some the song titles (Celtic Warrior, Siobhan & Emerald Blues) on the Stephen Housden solo album I received at the same time.
The one thing I haven't figured out about Broken Voices is how they came up with their name. The truth is that the vocals, lead & backing are their strongest asset. The lush vocal harmonies are what lift this album into the something-special category.
Lessons In Love has a folk meets rock feel (like Mike Oldfield's Midnight Shadow). The music is rock/AOR based, but the vocals are folk-like feel. Maybe Susie Ahern learnt her trade in a folk band.
Most of the other songs follow a similar style and the quality is fairly well maintained throughout, although I do find my interest dropping off towards the end. That might have more to do with the one paced nature of the material, rather than a drop off in quality.
A couple of songs are worth picking out for a special mention. Lush vocals introduce Halls of Justice. Clocking in at over 7 mins, its long for this style of music, but it never drags. The best track on the album. Into Your Arms is the song that really evokes memories of Clannad. The vocal parts are very similar to their style. Tangled Skeins is just about the only slower track, but it works well.
Rating: 8
