Luka Bloom
Eleven Songs
Shock


After a few years of more experimental records and collaborations, Luka Bloom has returned to a more traditional record with 'Eleven Songs'. Recorded mostly live in only eight days, it's a warm, gracious record of Bloom's always wonderful songs, produced by David Odlum (the original guitarist of Irish alt-rockers The Frames).

From the moment that There Is A Time emerges quietly from the speakers, you know that Bloom is back to what he does best - gently caressed piano, tasteful nylon strings and laid back drumming as his warm voice floats nicely over the top. It sets a standard for the album which is maintained throughout, both in tone and in palette.

Bloom's writing is much the same too - extremely literate love songs such as I Hear Her, Like Lorelei and When Your Love Comes - though with Eleven Songs he's starting to exhibit signs of either old age grumpiness or relevant social satire when he sings a lyric like "everybody's online/ where nothing is real, big fucking deal/ where's the fire now?" on Fire. However, his writing is so consistently strong that you can easily forgive his seeming lack of progression and simply bask in the fact that what he does, he does very well.

The palette here perfectly compliments the songs, with Bloom's nylon string guitar ably backed with string arrangements and a gentle rhythm section. The appearance of a gospel choir on three tracks, most notably the closing anthem Don't Be Afraid Of The Light That Shines Within You, adds much to proceedings, while guests occasionally pop in to add harps or clarinets. 'Eleven Songs' holds few surprises for Bloom fans, but there is such a genuine joy and confidence in these songs that they won't care.

Patrick Lang