Album Review: Gregory Alan Isakov - 'The Weatherman'

Rating:

South African born, and lifelong traveller – although now settled in Boulder, Colorado – Gregory Alan Isakov has just crafted a new album. The Weatherman follows on from his previous album, released in 2009, and offers a vast series of lyrically driven Indie-Folk songs. For those who have never heard of Isakov, he can be compared to the likes of José González, Hayden and A.A Bondy.

The album produces a languorous and relaxed approach which creates a thoroughly enjoyable experience to listen to. Songs such as, ‘Amsterdam’, ‘She Always Takes It Back’, ‘Saint Valentine’ and ‘Suitcase Full of Sparks’ allow the album to be simply exquisite; just perfectly raw and uncomplicated folk songs. The simplicity of Isakov’s music allow for the album to flow with absolute ease – the transition from song to song is almost unnoticeable as the beautifully strummed chords, combined with the intimacy of the lyrics, create an outstandingly well-constructed album that is an absolute joy to listen too.

As a whole Isakov could be classed as easy on the ears to listen to, but that’s not to say the album should be dismissed as a chill out session. The delicacies shown through his lyrical choices make the album become so much more than this: they add depth, meaning and strength to each song, guaranteeing a creation that will stand the test of time.

The Weatherman is out 6th October, before Isakov plays five UK dates:

Fri Oct 17 / Brighton / Komedia
Sat Oct 18 / Bristol / Lousiana
Sun Oct 19 / Glasgow / King Tut’s
Mon Oct 20 / Manchester / Gullivers
Tue Oct 21 / London / Bush Hall

Oliver Hope