Theosophy is an album constructed by one of the very best folk singers in the UK. His raw ’60s tones are a breath of fresh air as this 13 track LP keeps in touch with everything Pete Molinari holds true to himself.

The album kicks off with a groovy and rather jazzy track titled ‘Hang My Head In Shame’; a song with a strong vibe and a deep piano beat that emphasises Molinari’s echoed voice. This is again mirrored in ‘Easy Street’ where Molinari’s voice runs parallel with an alluring soulful beat.  Opening track, ‘So Long Gone’, also maintains this rock ‘n’ roll trace, which harbours an exquisite tune comprised of sleazy raw guitar riffs and bass drums.

Keeping in touch with this vintage feel, Molinari then brings in a psychedelic element with ‘You Will Be Mine’, ‘Evangeline’ and ‘Love For Sale’. ‘You Will Be Mine’ is a slow track that articulates the spotlight on the purity of the meaning, while ‘Evangeline’ is another word for New Orleans and – having travelled there a few times – Molinari went on to write this song. It delves into showing off the different tones Molinari’s voice can reach and, paired with tangible chords, it keeps the chilled out ambience flowing. ‘Love For Sale’ has a hypnotic, Indian feel to it  and thus ends the LP perfectly.

‘I Got Mine’, on the other hand, returns to Molinari’s comfort zone of Folk: an upbeat song, it  has an appealing acoustic riff that really drives a fast tempo to the track and compels some serious foot tapping… And there are striking resemblances between ‘I Got Mine’ and the next track on the album, ‘I Got It All Indeed’; however, the latter includes a hardy bass with a rawness that is cut in half with Molinari’s soft voice which makes you want to kick back and relax. ‘Winds of Change’  is an energetic acoustic track with an electric twang that really brings through the strong folk element; reminiscent of something from Neil Young’s ‘Harvest’.

Two tireless songs are then followed by a welcome calmer number: ‘When Two Worlds Collide’. This song combines emotion, passion and love with a delicate bass line. Similarly, ‘Dear Marie (You Made A Fool Of Me)’ – one of the most beautiful tracks on the album – is a light-hearted number with a natural opening that makes you obliged to smile as the song unfolds with Molinari’s silky vocals.

The seventh track on the record, ‘What I am I am’, produces a spiritual image evoking all kinds of messages and one which homes in on the real Molinari. And this feeling is rekindled in the ninth tune, ‘Might Son Of Abraham’; Abraham being a biblical reference and choir-like backing vocals which further emphasise the church references.

This album manages to bring the vintage sounds of the 1960s into the present day; it leaves nothing to be desired and confirms Molinari’s position as the UK’s number one country & folk singer.

 

You can buy the Theosophy here: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4617

 

Sam Lightle

@SamLightle