Review: ‘New Beautiful’ – Sherman Downey

Sherman Downey
New Beautiful
Independent

Sherman Downey delivers a record packed with positivity; ten tracks beautifully orchestrated to paint a picture of a world rediscovered.

Downey’s melodies are quite captivating, his soft vocals speak directly to the listener whilst his choice of instrumentation feels very experimental. However it proves to be a success as Downey creates a rather unique space for himself. Shiftwork is a stand out track on the record and a prime example of the unusual production and arrangement that really gives Downey his own style. Fingerguns, despite its sombre feel, has a playful, child like lyrical theme to it whilst the funky production and the piano riffs in Romancer make this track the most bold on the record. Tracks like Long Goodbye help the record to lean slightly more into the country remit with its slight twang and clever lyrics. For the most part, it’s a cohesive collection of songs.

Sherman Downey’s take on country-influenced folk-pop is incomparable. This is a record that takes you on a beautiful musical journey from start to finish and will have you coming away feeling refreshed.