M John Henry – the former frontman of cult band De Rosa – has always majored in minor key melancholy and his new album “Strange Is The Way” duly and elegantly presents more of his wistful words for our contemplation.
This album is therefore one that is serious in its intent with much that is therein containing cathartic elements that might lead the listener to consider the possibility that M John Henry is taking us on to the yellow brick road to emotional, and perhaps even religious, redemption. As always, M John Henry is possessed of a distinctive voice with his poetic presentation providing proof of his ability to lift himself above other, similarly introspection fuelled, singer songwriters whilst also decorating his songs with the mature stylistic touches that the passing of time has gifted to him.
The ten songs on this album have both a musical and lyrical verisimilitude as, no doubt, was the intent with those minor changes in pace serving only to enhance the cohesiveness of what you, as the listener, hear. I have a fondness for musicians who can maintain that level of literary intent across the duration of an album and it is, to my mind, a fact that such an achievement can only be the result of the synergy between a beating heart and an educated mind. “Strange Is The Way” may well leave you with more questions than you had when you started but few will doubt that was actually M John Henry’s aim.
Best song: “You Show Me Ways”
Verdict: Deeper than a shadow
Available from Bandcamp.