Dan Owen
Neptune
***and1/2 out of *****
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The Shrewsbury, United Kingdom based singer-songwriter Dan Owen has a new, self-released album out titled Neptune. The folk-rock focused effort is an excellent showcase for the artists writing talents and engaging vocals.
The opening rocker "Stay Close" uses distorted harmonica and strong acoustic guitar strums as the angry country influenced track builds to a big ending before the ominous blues of "Black Moon" rolls out with emotionally yearning singing. Owns vocals are a major draw here as he morphs from restrained and contemplative to Broadway-ready and soaring from song to song. On the heartbreak effort "Once Again" he shifts between those styles mid-tune, showing his range with ease.
Owen's vocals take flight for the dramatic love song title track while he receives female backing support on the vocally accented "Wild Heart of This Life" which comes across as raw and honest. Less effective is "It Only Takes A Heart" which plays in Adult Contemporary fashion in the vein of the Goo-Goo Dolls via melodrama and an extended run time.
Things are much better on the highlight of the album, "Movie Screens". The stripped down, straight ahead folk song deals with the realities of life in a plain spoken but greatly affecting manner via his soulful vocals. Owen's lyrics convey a lived in life that hits its target right in the bullseye on this stunning track; a must hear.
Both the minstrel wandering, hip swinging tale "Happy Man" and the philosophical roots rock, looking through death's eyes at the world, "When I Die", are winners as well with unique lyrical takes, fun playing and direct vocals.
The album closer "Grow" shows both sides of Owen, starting as a heartfelt piano ballad before soaring to theatrical levels of singing with pomp and circumstance. Things slowly build, rising towards exciting heights, wrapping up the album on a grandiose note.
Dan Owen's Neptune gives the folk artist a wide palette to paint from as he sings stout, affecting songs that deal with deep emotion.
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