Macombee and the Absolute Truth - Macombee and the Absolute Truth - No Man's Land Album Review
When I received this record I had no idea what to expect. The press information describes the sound as a cathartic experience founded on cinematic arrangements wrapped around the lead singer, Sarah Macombee's, exquisite voice, so it all sounded fairly self indulgent. Was this to be the case?
The record itself was written predominantly by Macombee and features a plethora of talented musicians. The record took 6 years to create and has been well produced on all fronts. The album art and presentation is tasteful and gives a small insight into the mind of Macombee.
To cut to the chase, when I played the opening track The Absolute Truth I was gobsmacked. I was blown away with its intricacies and extremely well placed arrangement. The structure was interesting and varied. The track instantly reminded me of a David Lynch film and would be well suited to act as a theme song to any HBO TV show. This track had sparked my attention and I was all ears.
However, from this point the record changed pace dramatically for good or ill, and become an entirely different beast. The album transgressed from this point, becoming far more singer songwriter orientated. The tracks from this point had a slight trip hop feel, but less Bristol and more musical stage show. They consistently featured the ever present vocal and piano toilings of Macombee whilst smatters of additional production filled the sound stage.
The record really didn't diverse from this point and the dynamical variance almost sifted into one long indulgent anguished ballad of sorts. I am not saying this is bad but it really didn't do a lot for me, but in Sarah's defence these stylings are not really my cuppah.
I would suggest that if you like highly emotive, matured female singer song writers then you will find yourself at home with Macombee and Co. No Man's Land is a well produced and thoughtful record and the opening track was in a class of its own. However, the record simply dragged and didn't really go anywhere of interest past the initial track for me.
About Macombee and the Absolute Truth
Sarah’s early songwriting bore fruit at the age of 12 when she wrote a song for her school choir. At the age of 13, she wrote a musical. She left home when she was 15 to experiment with various avant garde bands.
Songwriting went alongside the job of bringing up 4 children and it's this combination that Sarah credits with her quest to be unflinchingly honest. “The opportunity to turn the challenges I faced as a young mother into creative nuggets of self-expression really made that a happy time. Having children and experiencing all the love and joy that brings, allowed me to exhume the painful parts of my life growing up. The children sang my songs – which SO wasn't appropriate at times, but it means they have come to know me through them and that, I think, is quite lovely.”
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Macombee and the Absolute Truth
Releases
Other Reviews By Joel C Blood
SSXUB EP Review - Shapeshifter vs The Upbeats
03 Oct 2014 // by Joel C Blood
This 5 track EP has been probably my most highly anticipated NZ release this year and it doesn't disappoint. This is everything that you would expect from this collaboration, the soulful wailing of P-Digsss and melodic lusciousness of Shapeshifter mashed together with the unforgiving, beat driven groove of The Upbeats.
Read More...
Tali - Faster Than Sound Single Review
03 Oct 2014 // by Joel C Blood
The second tune from Tali's forthcoming record Wolves is a huge departure from the UK drum n bass that made her a worldwide name. Faster Than Sound is a self declared love song and is closer to trip hop than Tali's traditional "Boobs to the Wall" DnB; which is a great departure in my eyes.
Read More...
Moana And The Tribe - Rima Album Review
02 Oct 2014 // by Joel C Blood
According to the albums publicists, this is Moana and the Tribe's 5th Studio album, and it wasn't what I was expecting. This was primarily a good thing as I like surprises but it did catch me a little off guard.
Read More...
Oakley Grenell - The Deep Album Review
19 Sep 2014 // by Joel C Blood
Listening to this record for the first time was a breath of fresh air. With so many Kiwi hip hop artists and beat makers writing the same old wannabe American Gangster drivel, it was inspiring to hear a guy construct something uplifting, tasteful and sonically dynamic.
Read More...
Electric Wire Hustle - Love Can Prevail Album Review
19 Sep 2014 // by Joel C Blood
Electric Wire Hustle do it again with another outstanding record. The dynamic duo strikes back with a fusion of classic soul mixed with slick glitching, well textured futuristic beats.
Read More...
Unknown - The Year of the Horse EP Review
11 Sep 2014 // by Joel C Blood
I was impressed with the work that Whistlejacket management have gone to in producing a very stylistic press package. It's not often I get any info on the reviewed band but these guys had a full press kit which used strong alternate imaginary to represent the band.
Read More...
05 Sep 2014 // by Joel C Blood
There are two ways to write this review. One way is looking at the record from Phil's vast and impressive career as the worlds most acclaimed 4/4 drummer, while being wowed by his self indulgent lifestyle.
Read More...
Kerretta - Pirohia Album Review
04 Sep 2014 // by Joel C Blood
I am going to do away with the Isis and Mogwai comparisons. Let's focus on how fucking good this record is.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
