Timothy Armstrong - 'Portraits' Album Review
Timothy Armstrong’s second solo album Portraits is more vivid than just brush strokes. It is more fluid than snapshots. Like the words drawn on the pages of a novel, each song on Portraits is not an end within itself. Rather each song works cohesively to weave into an entire narrative. This is a story. Fragments of lives are threaded together with the sharp needlework of Armstrong and the thread of fellow musician Sarah Colm
an who together provide sensitive vocals that draw you in for every whisper and lead you into every caress of the instruments.
Portraits is a patchwork quilt, full of emotion and texture. The passage begins with ‘Sell Out’ an obscure proemium with a beautiful poetic disclosure in the lyrics:
“Become a comb and rake along the river bed.
Make sharp the stone and carve your name on my forehead.” ('Sell Out')
It swiftly moves through the album, a melancholy enchantment from song to song. The album strength is its narrative, the seamless way it runs through. It feels as if there is no beginning and ending between each song which allows you to ease into the depths of Portraits, unawakened.
The work of Armstrong and Colman is sure to become iconic. The sound is mature and distinct. Together they create sinister love songs, playful and ambient, yet dark and tragic. Armstrong’s sensitivity to his lyrics is captivating. It is rare to find an artist who has the courage to showcase their lyrical poetry and simplify the music into a perfect balance. Each enhances and reflects the other.
Portraits is beauty, with all its imperfections being the essence of this mysterious story that is unravelled before you. The songs are odes to great characters that you have never met, but begin to familiarise yourself with the more you listen, the more you become ensnared. Their stories become your stories.
-Janise.
About Timothy Armstrong
In 2007, Armstrong released his first solo album We Can All Breathe A Little Easier Now on his own indie imprint Twig Records. Garnering praise for his "Widescreen vision", Armstrong continued his prolific musical sketches, created and produced single-handedly in home studios across Wellington.
He found a vehicle for these in The Novelist, a band that has quickly garnered a reputation for being one of the most technically brilliant and electric alternative outfits in the scene; creating electrifying renderings of Armstrong’s compositions across the country. With The Novelist, Armstrong released the Votive EP in August 2010.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Timothy Armstrong
Releases
Other Reviews By Miss_Jukebox
Age Pryor - Single Review: Burning Sun
15 Nov 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
Having built a steady portfolio of compositions since the turn of this century, Age Pryor (Fly My Pretties, The Woolshed Sessions, Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra) has inconspicuously become a pillar amongst New Zealand’s finest artists. And in the same understated way his career has unfolded so far, his new single Burning Sun retains the unassuming charm and placidity of his sound.
Read More...
Sola Rosa - EP Review: In Spaces
15 May 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
The highly-acclaimed, genre-fusing artist Sola Rosa is back with a new EP In Spaces - a stellar addition in the artist’s almost two-decade career. In Spaces explores the soundscapes of funk, soul and RnB, pillared by sturdy grooves and commanding vocal performances from a selection of outstanding feature artists.
Read More...
Emily Fairlight - Single/Video Review: The Escape
13 Mar 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
Poet and alt-folk singer-songwriter Emily Fairlight has released her latest song The Escape - a bittersweet romantic ballad with plush country/folk vibes. It’s a hauntingly beautiful composition that sinks into you with its heartfelt delivery and writing.
Read More...
The Frank Burkitt Band - Album Review: Raconteur
14 Feb 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
Peruse through the gorgeous pages of Frank Burkitt’s storybook in Frank Burkitt Band’s latest album – a beautiful collection of narratives set to folk, jazz, blues and American roots essences. Raconteur is the second full-length album from the band, who formed in Wellington during 2014 after Burkitt, and his partner Kara Filbey (who provides vocals, flute and percussion on the album) moved from Edinburgh.
Read More...
I Am Giant - Single Review: Don't Look Back
08 Feb 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
New Zealand’s rock darlings, I Am Giant have started their 2018 with a bang – releasing their first new single of the year, Don’t Look Back; before they unleash their hotly-anticipated third full-length album, Life in Captivity - which is due out in March. This will be the first full-length release from the band since 2014’s Science and Survival.
Read More...
Lucas O'Connell - Songs to Sleep On Album Review
10 Nov 2013 // by Miss_Jukebox
Music voyager Lucas O’Connell has released a beautiful debut album, Songs to Sleep On that encapsulates his skills to meaningfully personify all that is around him. The album was recorded primarily in Wellington’s Surgery Studios under the guidance of his main studio engineer Dr.
Read More...
Lucie Hill - Little Lapin EP Review
09 Jul 2013 // by Miss_Jukebox
One look into her bright eyes, Little Lapin will have you mesmerised. Auckland-based Lucy Cioffi in her musical alter-ego Little Lapin has finally released her self-titled debut EP.
Read More...
Sarah Conlan Singles Review
25 May 2013 // by Miss_Jukebox
Sarah Conlan, a young country singer/songwriter is part of a country music resurgence happening before our eyes. I always thought of country music as a self-contained genre.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- TOO SWEET
Hozier - BEAUTIFUL THINGS
Benson Boone - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - LIKE THAT
Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar - END OF BEGINNING
Djo - I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
Artemas - WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
Ariana Grande - STICK SEASON
Noah Kahan - TEXAS HOLD 'EM
Beyonce - LEAVEMEALONE
Fred Again.. And Baby Keem
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
