Josh Pyke - Only Sparrows

Thu 8th Sep, 2011 in Music Reviews

Josh Pyke’s reputation as one of Australia’s best and brightest singer-songwriters is only set to increase with his third LP, Only Sparrows. Renowned for his vivid imagery created through his poetic lyrics (and the odd f-bomb), Only Sparrows marks a striking change in Pyke’s music that will only strengthen his musical pallet and broaden his range for wider audiences.

Clovis’ Son opens the album in top form, gentle strums of Pyke’s signature acoustic waver through as his distinctive voice begins Only Sparrows. Poignant and melodiously textured, it sets the tone of the album in a matter of moments. The lead single No One Wants A Lover fits in well among the darker elements, and even offers commentary on the LP as a whole. It’s about the relationship an artist has with their works, and keeping their ideas fresh and original. Given the content though, it’s ironically much more familiar territory for Josh.

Second single The World Is A Picture is very radio friendly and complete with classic catchy Pyke hooks that lend a hand to the perfect sing-a-long. However, the albums true gem is Punch In The Heart, in which Little Birdy’s Katy Steele lends her vocal talents. Co-written with Whitely, it is a short and sombre affair that quite literally packs an emotional and unexpected punch upon the listener. Pyke and Steele’s vocals blend together to create one of the single most haunting and emotional songs I’ve heard in a very long, one that will linger with the listener long after the final verse.

Good Head Start picks up the pace so as not to create too much melancholy, but a subtle highlight appears is in the form of Factory Fires. Rough around the edges yet shrewd, it grows on the listener with its vivid imagery of love and life for the working class.

Final track Love Lies is proof once again that Pyke’s ability to write insightful and romantic lyrics is no fluke. With its tender finale that gently fades away amongst the hum of a flute and the finger picking of Pyke’s guitar, Only Sparrows floats away like a leaf carried on the wind.

The big difference Only Sparrows has in comparison to Pyke’s previous albums is that the choice to include a recording band has given his work a richer, fuller sound. No longer a solo venture, Only Sparrows soars above Josh Pyke’s earlier solo work to much more brooding territory while still retaining his trademark charm and of course, the occasional f-bomb.