Singer-songwriters aren’t hard to come by these days, as every Tom, Dick and Harry can chose to pick up an instrument, write some lyrics, apply some chords and upload it free of charge online for the world to hear. For this reason, it’s getting harder to filter through content and find something that gives you that feeling of finding something to fall in love with; that touches you emotionally and helps you relate to the story of the song. However, Gallery 47 , aka Jack Peachey, has worked hard to craft his own unique style, using his personal experiences as an anchor, hooking you in at first listen.
Jack is in no way a beginner when it comes to the songwriting game. Clean, his third studio album, has come off the back of touring with the infamous Paul Weller and playing shows up and down the UK, as well as across Europe. The album represents Peachey’s cleansing and clearing of his mind after his last album All Will Be Well; it describes the downfall of his relationship and previous state of health, charting his journey to find peace and be reunited with the love of his life.
Clean kicks off with ‘Rising Star’, a slow paced track full of strings and dreamy vocals that glide through the speakers to speak to you loud and clear. ‘Mothers Plan’ and ‘Never Alone’ include twinkling keys and Jack’s soft vocals akin to the likes of Iron and Wine, soothing the soul with their uplifting yet sombre tones.
‘Free Range’ is a more upbeat number, showcasing lyrical melodies that have twists and turns, bouncing off the drums and bass with ease, producing a different aspect of Gallery 47’s writing style. Next track ‘It’s Been A Long Day’ reverts back to the soothing tempo of earlier tracks, creating vocal structures that stick in your head long after first listen.
‘Looking Wonderful’ then takes you on a pleasant stroll, creating imaginative and picturesque sounds, reminiscent of Joshua Radin. Next track ‘All I Know’ is certainly the ballad of the album, taking you through a love story of Jack’s that we can all relate to. Though full of catchy melodies, ‘Dream Real’ manages to maintain its sense of individuality, while ‘Some Of You Don’t Get It’ is an insight into Jack’s more relaxed writing style.
Like a soothing lullaby, ‘Take It From Me’ flows with waltz-like rhythms and a Beatles-esque vibe, whilst ‘Never Known’ has a darker feel, both lyrically and musically.
The album then closes with the most upbeat track of the collection – ‘Dulcimer’, taking you on a roller-coaster ride of passion and emotion.
Clean‘s beauty and passion represents folk songwriting at its best, delicate yet impassioned, fragile yet robust. Gallery 47 certainly has his work cut out to beat this fantastic portrayal of honest brilliance.
Clean, the new album from Gallery 47, is out now via AWAL / Bad Production Records.