Robert Francis – Before Nightfall
Robert Francis – Before Nightfall
9/10
There is something about the assured intensity of Robert Francis that sets him apart from the middle-of-the-road American singer/songwriters. Atlantic Records certainly seem to think so, snapping him up after his debut indie release, One By One. Sure, this new record has a slightly more polished feel to it, but it still retains an edge. Much of this may be down to Dave Sardy whose previous production credits include both Johnny Cash and Band of Horses.
As is the case with all albums of this nature that hit the right spots with me, it’s angst-ridden, full of songs of lost love. The album’s opener, ‘Darkness’ sets the tone, and Francis’ husky baritone vocals sit well amongst the finger-picked acoustic melodies and simplistic arrangements. Backing vocals provided by his Sisters Juliette and Carla are a soothing interlude throughout. He even enlisted Juliette’s father-in-law – the legendary Ry Cooder – to play slide guitar on ‘Climb a Mountain’.
For many people I would guess that ‘Climb a Mountain’ would be the killer track; however, title track ‘Nightfall’ just blows me away. It’s not the sort of album you can place in any one bracket as it shifts from roots rock through to folk via a slice of the blues. Despite his relatively tender age of twenty-two, this collection of songs show a great deal of songwriting maturity. If you love all things Americana, and are slightly wistful like me, you will love it!
Dropping 29th November (Atlantic Records) it’s yet another for that increasing end of year list!
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