|
 |
Ian BrownThe Greatest Fiction/UMA Like so many artists, Ian Brown seems to suffer from "post-band syndrome". Common in frontmen who form solo careers in the wake of their group's split, the major symptom is a lack of the youthful aggression the previously fuelled their fire. While still characteristic and endearing, the result is sometimes just that little more mellow. Brown has always had a laid-back vibe, but this was sculpted into grit and given rough edges by The Stone Roses. Nowadays his often-cheeky songwriting is filtered through lush arrangements and soulful beats. When these beats are provided by UNKLE, whose two collaborations with Brown, Be There and REIGN are standouts, all is good. And without his transition into more serene territory, we wouldn't be graced with the brilliant acronym lyrics of F.E.A.R., or the soul-cleansing melody of Corpses In Their Mouths. It could also be put down to maturing; his interest in mystics and religion is a consistent theme, more so now than ever. This is evident in the eastern sounds and experimental instrumentation that often compliment his spiritual explorations. Part of the irony is that his sound, albeit unique and identifiable, is also very familiar: and very British. This is due to the countless artists who have made careers imitating him over the last two decades. Noel Gallagher thanks Brown for kick-starting the scene of which he later became king by playing guitars on Keep What Ya Got. However, after scraping the gold from off the surface of his career, Ian Brown definitely proves his worth with this compilation: he's perhaps not quite the greatest, but he's definitely one of them.  |
|
The latest issue available now!     |
All content copyright dB Magazine