03 March 2009
8½/10 IAN HENDERSON – SUPERGLUE (MUSKTEER)
Based in Durban but very much a citizen of the world in terms of the way (and places) in which this album was created, Henderson has enjoyed mostly critical success to date. Superglue, from the start, suggests that the singer-songwriter is primed for mainstream acclaim. Opener Over Now combines a catchy, fluent melody with heartfelt vocal delivery to make an immediate impression.
The title track also shows off the expanded and luxurious arrangements that make many of the songs here treats for the ear rather than just mere album tracks. The tone (although not necessarily the subject matter) is overwhelmingly positive, with major keys, rich harmonies and more providing an almost spiritual lift that makes you want to turn the volume up very, very loud. The timbre of Henderson’s voice and the sublime strings put him in the same sort of ballpark as Tom Mcrae, another thoughtful, very gifted performer. There’s no flab at all on this album – just further reason, as you wander down the tracklisting, to close your eyes and immerse yourself in a listening experience you won’t have the privilege of coming across too often. – BD
Full link: http://www.citizen.co.za/index/article.aspx?pDesc=87753,1,22
