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By: Karl-Erik Stromsta
Welsh iconoclast Euros Childs is a tremendously gifted songwriter, and his reluctance to write for anyone but himself is probably a good thing. But, for such a sensitive guy, he comes up a little short of emotional imagination on his latest solo album, Miracle Inn (Wichita). Childs loves nothing better than playing plain, pasty and often aimless folk music - which he gets away with at the best of times. Alas, his insistent folk inclination is actually a bit of a shame since he also possesses an uncommonly excellent ear for breezy, sunset rock that's way too good to classify as a guilty pleasure.
Still considered a music god in his native Wales from his days in well-loved psychedelic folk outfit Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, Childs never pretends for one second that he cares what anyone thinks of his music. Lucky for him, a lot of people think it's very good. There are a handful of undeniably great pop tunes on Miracle Inn, from the happy-ending classic "Over You" to the aptly prancing "Horse Riding," which plays like a lost Velvet Underground gem with the edges sandpapered off. The album's title track is the most ambitious, a 15-minute suite of songs that puts self-conscious folk and rah-rah stumble rock together on the same dance floor AND lives to tell the story.
Despite its victories, the album never quite manages to shake the impression that it could have used a little more time in the oven - a definite possibility, considering it's his third studio effort in the past year and a half. Miracle Inn's lack of proper gestation is at its most painfully obvious during its abundant forays into tranquilized folk. "Outside My Window" hobbles along with naught but lethargic cymbal kicks and a wheezing organ for support. Casual musings like "write a song, send it off/ sign a contract, get ripped off" do little to add to the festive spirit.
All things considered - and folk doldrums aside - Miracle Inn is a smooth, painless affair that grins and sighs its way through the long side of half an hour. The album is every bit as pleasant as any regular Tuesday afternoon daydream, though not much more memorable.
JamBase | Wales
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