James Guilmartin
Intro into Exile
Angela Macari O’Looney
How lovely to come across a person who doesn’t conform to any music genre whatsoever, but puts his own personal mark on music history, by introducing a soothing and unflinchingly applied bouquet to the hum drum predictable, that has become the order of the day. James Guilmartin and his accomplices have put together not a compilation of songs, but a whole experience whereby one is massaged by an array of instruments and some moody melodies, with a few unexpected jazzy upbeats thrown in for sheer mischief. A true artist can achieve this and having had a few listens to his debut album, I’m in no doubt that this young man has a very unique power.
Influences include such greats as James Buckley, Leonard Cohen, Kate Bush, The Clash, and The Beatles. On Bass and Keys – Rama Bloc, Drums/ Bass – Enda Roche, Track 6 drums – Dave Lawless and Phil Daly – Bass, Christophe Capwell – Violin, Aidan – Clarinet.
James Gulmartin performs several instruments on this album, from Didgeridoo, Djembe, guitars and Keys to chest beats, singing bowls and whatever else he gets his hands on. I think one can safely surmise his music is a form of Experimental Rock, if any description is possible.
On my first listen to Intro into Exile, I felt bewildered and confused and clear out of ideas to describe these eclectic pieces. However, young James left some words of wisdom on the back of the booklet inside. His tip; the higher you climb, the greater the view helped me.
Breadcrumb Trail
Beginning with electric guitar chords and busy bass, this track involves soothing vocals backed by distortion laden, rock guitars. Some wonderful instrumentation is going on throughout, with masterful riffs that command the listener and won’t let you out of their power. Harmony is almost like a monastic choir in the chanted chorus, surrounded by Zeppelin/Nirvana-styled lead and an amazing baseline.
Untimely Minds
Flamenco-style guitar chords take you into this three four time track. Chord combinations are appealing, along with key changes to create mood. I particularly love the bassy tones and find the melody line stimulating. Further into this track a harmonica is introduced, plus cymbals which add emphasis to the drama in the lyrics about a vixen with her cubs, which are in danger from the hunter and his son. The sense of danger comes through in the notation, as the hunter warns his son in the same way as the vixen; hold my hand dear, for the storm is rising. Your not strong yet, but you’re trying.
All the dogs are howling their own tune
This jazz waltz is blissful, played on a guitar with a beautiful tone and I detect a second guitar in there which makes it extra special. It has a seductive melody and delicious lyrics; A little wine, to soothe my nights, a little flower for me to inspire. For all those crazy moments when you think you’re alone. For all those crazy moments, right before your mind has gone. I like how the pace alters for an instrumental break later on in this number. Crashing cymbals, lots of distortion in the guitars and a repeated riff come in, with faint vocals to build up to a dramatic crescendo. It just winds down with the original two guitars.
Come by the fire has a trickling acoustic guitar intro, close harmony in the chorus which is sung like a mantra, James singing the line; Come by the fire it is burning in a kind of monotone. It’s quite hypnotic music and very powerful, but certainly is an acquired taste. Guitar does a haunting lead solo, with lots of note bending and eerie slides.
Slow and sweet, but a delightful piece is Wet black velvet blues. Guitars are jazzy and lazy. A clarinet adds to the wonderful atmosphere here, harmony is sung behind James’s excellent bluesy vocals as he pours out the sorrowful story;40 smokes and 10 coffees through, I still don’t know what to do. Chords are lovely and help create the subdued, drowsy atmosphere.
I find wise up very dreary, with a sense of tragedy in the melody that wouldn’t exactly cheer a person up during a recession. However it has some very interesting discords in the harmony and a marvellous arrangement. It has a complex chorus and is like a concerto of both electric and acoustic, with throbbing percussion, building up to a full sound that seeps into your soul.
In Naked sacred son the chords are really pretty, as trickling acoustic guitar and percussion give it a real sense of movement. Harmony seems layered here, adding greatly to the overall piece.
By far the most outstanding song on this whole album for me has to be track seven, Gypsy love song. Brushes are expertly drumming out the beat, while a slinky song unfolds. There’s an exotic quality to this number, with a riff played softly behind each line of the chorus. Easy, laid back and totally adorable, it comprises a simple melody and a really cool performance from James.
Spirit of Haum
Very abstract, this song has mournful lyrics. Harmony is close, vocals brilliant and the rhythmic acoustic guitars and eclectic feel make it quite soothing.
Long Path
This is a very long song, so it is well named. It’s yet another haunting piece of music, with big sustained notes framing lovely plucked guitars. It’s a person who is reflecting on his life, loves and experiences. Lyrics are deep and regretful ; There was a sun setting deep behind his eyes. There was a loaded gun strapped to his mind. There was a kindred lady who brushed a loving smile. She said ‘where you going honey? Why don’t you stay for a while?’
The last track is Nightly blossom, a chant which is really pretty. An array of voices, almost choir-like repeat a line ;Her light is on me now. Lots of interesting instruments gradually join in as the dynamic increases, a bongo drum beating out a soft rhythm. This extra track of the album has a weird ending, with James singing a chant backwards.Sounds like Martian! It drags on a bit and is a bit creepy.
Hearing this album is like going on a strange trip. The title Intro into Exile is very apt. But it’s worth the journey when you find a few really beautiful jewels among the dowdy, sombre dirges as I did. The CD itself reflects its contents in that it is quite mysterious looking, coloured in sepia tones and seriously abstract.
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