RICKY WARWICK - review added 9th April 2009
Album Review: Belfast Confetti (2009)
For fans of: acoustic rock... and the Riverdance meets grunge meets Springsteen
As singer and founder member of The Almighty, Irishman Ricky Warwick played some of the biggest stages and venues across the globe. I remember seeing his band perform at Metallica's Milton Keynes gig in '93. They were bloody amazing and even made Megadeth look relatively mundane.
Ricky has been a solo artist since 2002. In the past he has been, not only a member of The Almighty, but in a few punk-orientated outfits like Stiff Little Fingers and New Model Army. His style nowadays is stripped of all punk/metal nonsense and purely acoustically driven.
However, describing Ricky as merely acoustic doesn't really give across the full picture. He isn't acoustic in a twee, delicate way. His music is gritty and rustic. It's about life, friendship, love and loss in the heart of Northern Ireland's capital. He puts every ounce of emotion he has into every song. It's a wonder he doesn't look like a dehydrated prune.
'Can't Wait For Tomorrow' showcases his gravelly voice to perfection. It's a vibrant song and, if you were expecting a downbeat, quiet and introspective album, you'll get the shock of your life. 'The Arms Of Belfast Town' sounds just like The Pogues playing a crammed-to-the-rafters bar in Donegall Road. It's a massive sing along song that should come with a warning label that demands a few slugs of Irish Whiskey before you can join in.
'Throwin` Dirt', much like many parts of the album, has a solid feel of Springsteen to it. The song is certainly as good as anything 'The Boss' has produced in recent years, but you get the feeling Ricky's work is more rooted in the heart than the bank account. 'Hank`s Blues' is a bona fide campfire song with an edgy vocal delivery. It has an anthemic quality you'd easily imagine getting snapped up by Greenpeace or the like.
'Born Fightin`' is another very Springsteen-esque song. WIth strong hints of 'Philadelphia', it should come across as derivative but ends up with a strong individualistic nature. It's a very proud song and, again, has an anthemic nature you could bottle and sell. Ricky cleverly saves the best song for last. 'If You`re Gonna Bleed' is a sweeping track with a wonderful build-up and impassioned chorus. It's a little understated in places, but the acoustic guitars still boast plenty of force when needed.
Belfast Confetti will shock the life out of you if you haven't heard anything from Ricky since The Almighty days. Whilst this album is considerably softer than his older work, there's still a depth of sound and volume that wouldn't be out of place on a death metal album. The tracks are, give or take, all very enjoyable. The album as a whole is excellent. Even if you wouldn't normally purchase an 'acoustic' album, give this a try. It might open your eyes.
Check out... 'The Arms Of Belfast Town'. Surely they were dancing to this in the film Titanic?!
Track List:
1. Can’t Wait For Tomorrow
2. The Arms Of Belfast Town
3. Throwin’ Dirt
4. Thousands Are Leaving
5. Hanks Blues
6. Belfast Confetti
7. Angel Of Guile
8. Punchin’ Thunder
9. Born Fightin’
10. Can’t Hurt A Fool
11. If You’re Gonna Bleed...
Label: DR2
Artist's websites: Ricky Warwick , MySpace
