Redfern’s latest offering goes above and beyond his traditional blues/rock stylings as he takes us on an incredible musical journey through ten very different compositions.
John Donne once wrote that ‘No man is an island’. And what the legendary poet meant by this was that as humans, we aren’t self-sufficient, we need interaction and are dependent on one another to survive. Now I may be reading too much into the title of Troy Redfern’s latest lockdown album, but it certainly feels pertinent within these strange and isolated times we find ourselves in.
With the opening track itself ‘Doin’ Time’ we are most certainly on familiar ground with a thunderous, fuzz-fuelled number that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. However, Redfern very quickly changes gears with the foot-stomping’, rootsy blues number “Falling Down”.
By the third track on the album “Call To Prayer” Redfern channels some eastern influences during this beautiful atmospheric composition. Similar stylings can also be found during the wonderful “Fighting Forms”.
There are many sublime instrumental numbers on this record. Both “Era’s End” and the title track itself have a peaceful ambience about them which is further enhanced by Redfern’s intricate yet emotive slide play.
The record comes to its conclusion by way of “Emma”. A majestic slide-based, blues instrumental, and the perfect ending to this versatile and musically free ten-track album.
The writer would argue that if you were to be trapped on a remote island, this album would certainly be a welcome inclusion in your backpack.
Words by Adam Kennedy