Daniel Merriweather : 'Love & War'
Talented Australian Daniel Merriweather is no stranger to success. After voicing several hits for artists including Mark Ronson and Wiley, his powerful and distinct voice is perhaps more well known than his youthful features and curly hair. Yet with second studio album Love & War he should be preparing for recognition on a much larger scale. Filled with a plethora of influences from the sixties to modern hip hop, the creativity and vision is very impressive. And with a guiding, if not heavy, hand from producer and old friend Mr Ronson, it is sure to become a mainstream success very soon.
Merriweather possesses a voice of such ability and range that it provides every track with a distinct point of interest. Opener “For The Money” utilises such talents in an understated and impressive way, his earthy vocals accompanied by nothing more than a piano and a lazy drum beat. Brimming with blues influences and angst abound, the track swells gradually leading to an concluding crescendo of strings, guitar solos and full throttle vocals. It is an impressive start, although somewhat overdone given the effectiveness of such a subtle beginning. With an expert contribution from Adele, “Water & A Flame” becomes another understated success as Merriweather restrains his vocals long enough to make the track a sincere duet. The duo's tones combine beautifully, constructing harmonies that send a shiver down the spine. By the same token “Giving Everything Away For Free” sees diplomatic restraint exercised to the benefit of the track, crafting it into a simple yet pleasing ballad. Such intelligence is gratifying given the nature of Merriweather's talents, with so many artists choosing full throttle in favour of variety, often to their detriment.
No doubt such restraint is thanks in part to producer Ronson, who's influence is evident throughout the album. “Change” features the type of lethargic yet effective drumming synonymous with his own album and, added to bluesy guitar licks and subtle strings, becomes almost a carbon copy. There is no doubting it is a good track, with Merriweather's soulful voice blending with the instruments wonderfully, but it is hard not to feel a little cheated with such a close likeness. “Live By Night” also offers up a homage to Ronson, albeit in a much more subtle way. Despite the focus once again being on the vocals, a blues melody and nonchalant beat evoke powerful memories of many Ronson hits. Merriweather does very well, blending vocal harmonies that hit the mark, yet the track feels somewhat hollow and undistinct. No doubt Ronson's presence in recording was a large boost, but his influence goes that little bit too far and endangers the individuality of what is a talented artist.
Unfortunately individuality seems to be somewhat of an issue for Merriweather throughout the course of the album. With such a distinctive sound and style, he struggles to define each track and by the end, it is hard not to spot a stark similarity between them. On the surface there is enough creativity to suffice, but after several listens and without looking at the track listing, it is difficult to identify each track. There are several stand out moments including stunning single “Red”, a truly inspired relationship anecdote filled with intricate instrumentation and soulful vocals, and the forthcoming track “Change”, but on the whole there appears to be a distinct lack of ingenuity. It is a great shame, as it calls into question the longevity of the album after only a few listens. Yet it is by no means enough to write it off entirely. With tracks containing soul, blues and funk each covered with Merriweather's imposing, there is more than enough here to suggest that the young man has enough to forge himself a very successful image to go with his very successful name.
Words: Dan Grose
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