Leigh Sloggett – Wait For The Change
Self Released
11 tracks/47 minutes Leigh Sloggett, the Australian blues artist, offers a haunting and introspective journey with his latest release, "Wait For The Change." In this fourth album, Sloggett, who initially pursued a career in art, demonstrates a profound connection to the blues, delivering 11 tracks that explore the darker corners of emotion and storytelling.
The band comprises seasoned musicians, including Chris Riseley on double bass, Len Oldman on drums, and Patrick Evans on violin and mandolin. Sloggett takes the lead with vocals and showcases his versatility with an array of guitars, including acoustic, electric, lap slide, and high strung. The majority of the tracks were recorded live, capturing the raw and authentic essence of the performances.
The album commences with the title track, "Wait For The Change," setting the tone with a compelling groove and Sloggett's gritty, breathy vocals. The journey takes a classic turn with a reworked rendition of Leroy Carr's "How Long," where haunting slide work becomes a prominent feature, contributing to the slow and dark blues atmosphere.
"Helping The Vegies Grow" injects a sense of fun into the album, offering a bouncy and lilting mid-tempo blues with acoustic guitar. "Fragile" follows, introducing a thumping and throbbing rhythm, enhanced by the eerie tones of Sloggett's lap steel guitar. The folky charm of "Fast Train" showcases Sloggett's prowess on the acoustic guitar, presenting a refreshing change in style.
"Shinjuku Bound" carries a pensive tone, featuring intricate fingerpicking and creating a contemplative ambiance. The instrumental "Switchback" unfolds with a slower to mid-tempo pace, allowing Sloggett's guitar work to shine. "Damn You Wind" maintains a haunting atmosphere, with violin adding depth to the throbbing beat and Sloggett's metered and downtrodden vocals.
"Compassionate Deficit" unfolds as a slow storytelling piece, driven by slick guitar work. Sloggett ventures into a full cover with "Moonshine," infusing the track with acoustic lap steel and various guitars, providing a captivating adaptation of the original. The album concludes with "Brand New Suit," a dark and haunting performance where violin once again plays a crucial role in setting the tone for Sloggett's exploration of the varied uses of a suit.
"Wait For The Change" is far from an upbeat collection. Sloggett delves into the depths of emotion, delivering performances that evoke a ghostly and introspective ambiance. His adept guitar work, coupled with his distinctive vocal style, creates a unique sonic experience.
If you're seeking something off the beaten path, an album that resonates with darker emotions and thoughtful storytelling, Leigh Sloggett's "Wait For The Change" is a compelling choice that invites listeners into a world of musical depth and nuance.
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