NMB Management UK / US

September 2014 

BLACK SWAN LANE …”A Moment Of Happiness” (CD/Download) Wanderland Music / BMI

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Two years in a row ? Are you kidding me ?…….
2013’s “Last time in your light” was my album of the year.
It would have been easy for BSL to repeat the magic of that album, they haven’t. What they have done is make a more challenging album, an album you need to listen to a few times and REALLY listen – then once it gets hold it doesn’t let go.
‘Dust’ has a hook that runs through it and draws you in and the warmth of Jacks wonderful voice washes over you “express the joy in your mind,dismiss the worry behind” and any worries this wasn’t going to be as good as the last album vanish with it as it carries you along..
“Body and soul” is beautiful with it’s ringing, open guitar. The whole song scape has a dreamlike feel, uncluttered and so spacious.
‘Lost for you’ like many of the 12 tracks, builds in layers. John Kolbeck’s guitars, almost restrained compared to ‘Stranger’ from the last album, are brilliant. His skill is immense and understated – he is a master of his art.
I could go on for ages, I really could. There is so much to love and details you don’t immediately pick up on. I won’t go on about the great production and get into ‘muso’ speak. All you need to know is the songs are fantastic throughout – not an average track to be found.
(There is also an ace bass line run down in ‘Below the Sound and the genius is – it’s only played once !)
‘Time’ and ‘More’ build and build, the latter drives on – ever more insistent with a nod to the feel of ‘Caution (Chameleons – Strange Times) and is my favourite track – love it.
There’s even a haunting instrumental ‘Sandia’ which demands to be the closing music to a film. Has to be.
Jack Sobel’s vocal on ‘Lonely’ drips with soul, backed with more amazing guitar work – a lead part that tears through and grabs you.
Jack Richard Sobel, John Kolbeck and everyone involved in making this heartfelt masterpiece of an album… I salute and thank-you.
Black Swan Lane have a dedicated following across America and Europe and I urge you to let this band into your life. Soon they’ll be like a close friend – you’ll wonder how you ever got by without them.
‘A Moment of Happiness’ is everything I’d hoped for and a great deal more.
‘A Moment of Happiness’ is my album of the Year 2014.
(So yeah – two years in a row…!!).