Comments for Browne, Duncan, Duncan Browne

At this time (1998), still unreleased on CD, along with the B-side "In A Mist," to the "Journey" single (RAK 135), the excellent "Resurrection Joe/Lone Asylum" single and the Tom Yates tracks. It''s a pity to have such fine material unavailable.

On this, his eponymous solo album, Duncan Browne is credited with Spanish & electric guitars, piano on “Cast No Shadow and vocals, with production by Mickie Most. Opening strongly with "Ragged Rain Life," it is immediately apparent that Browne has developed his own style, ranging from gentle balladry to stylish art-rock within the one song. His dexterous acoustic guitar arpeggios are nearly constant throughout this second album, the lyrics intensely personal and the music clever and quirky. "The Martlet" is a beautiful ballad in 5/4 and "Cast No Shadow," shows Browne works well also as a pianist/singer/songwriter. The indications of Browne`s developing style are evident in his previous work with Tom Yates (particularly "Dear Life" on "Love Comes Well Armed"), but his own vocals are much gentler (and never derivative of Dylan as Yates and many other artists can be). Much of the subject matter is autobiographical, dealing with the pain and adventure of relationships, and with travelling, such as on the classic single “Journey,” here in its original version, and there is a melancholy, but sardonic air to many of the songs. A very enjoyable album and a sign of great things to come. (Ian Thomas)