Johnny Foreigner : 'Grace And The Bigger Picture'
Released: 26th October 2009
Label: Best Before Records
Although full of imaginative vocal harmonies and not without it's charm, “Grace And The Bigger Picture” ultimately lacks a great deal of finesse, letting some good ideas turn into tales of what might have been.
Johnny Foreigner are a strange breed. A trio comprised of vocalist/guitarist Alexei Berrow, bassist Kelly Southern and drummer Junior Elvis Washington Laidley, it is clear that they are keen to be set apart from the crowd. With their music centred around offbeat ideas and three way vocal harmonies, they certainly get a prize for ingenuity. “Feels Like Summer” acts as a typical effort from the band, a fast and energetic track filled with tinny guitars and rapid drumming. The vocals work well, blending together effectively and creating a sing–a–long feel, perfect given the track's title. “I'llchoosemysideandshutup, Alright”, despite it's rather absurd name, shows Southern at her best, singing wistfully atop a delicate guitar melody, whilst “Security To The Promenade” is a full on effort filled with more well placed harmonies.
Yet whilst these offbeat, quirky ideas work well in some respects, in other's they do the exact opposite. Opener “Choose Yr Side And Shut Up!” descends into an almost inaudible mess, with ill placed vocals and shrieking guitars almost cancelling each other out. Whilst there are good parts, the chorus area becomes congested, writing the track off. “Criminals” also bears the brunt of a heavy hand, more likely to impart a headache than a smile. Once again congestion is the problem, with vocals and melody overlapping to become little more than a noise. “Your town's run by criminals” is the rather base sentiment to accompany it, adding a rather crass feel to the whole track.
Such faults are a great shame given the undeniable potential and talent held by the three piece. Yet it is apparent that it is almost impossible to compare any two tracks on the album. Whilst “More Heart Less Tongue” succeeds with a sweet sounding melody, follow up “Kingston Called, They Want Their Lost Youth Back” falls flat with a vacuously political title and irritating vocals.
There is no real way to sum up “Grace And The Bigger Picture”, such is the confusing nature of the hit and miss song writing. Yet it is easy to see that, whilst Johnny Foreigner have potential and talent, it is sometimes lost in an over enthusiastic, unrefined approach. Given more consideration and steadier implementation, this might have been a superb album. As it stands, it settles for being nothing short of average.
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