Jeremy Warmsley - 'The Art Of Fiction' (Transgressive) Released 09/10/06

Jeremy Warmsley is an artist that is destined to be lost in the mix. Among the singer songwriting u-turn male soloists are having to fight more than ever for credibility, yet Jeremy Warmsley's music clearly speaks for itself, therefore no competition is needed.
 
The album begins with a wonderful swirl of violin melodies churned with piano as Warmsley's voice is instantly recognisable to Rufus Wainwright. Yet he doesn't splendour the listener with bold statements and loud showy atmospheres, Jeremy is a little more understated. 'I Promise' has a strict guitar rhythm which contrasts Warmsley's soft voice, whereas in '5 Verses' dance beats emerge and the album turns into a very different atmosphere. It's the catchiest song on the record as the melodies layer over the complicated samples in the background. 'The Young Man Sees The City As A Chess Board' is also along the same vein but with a darker sinister side like the single 'I Believe The Way You Move'.

'Jonathan & Oak Tree' is probably the most confident track on the album with its choir like vocals and piano, guitar accompaniment. Yet 'Modern Children' appears to be the purely innocent track on the album devoid of undertones but it doesn't last with Warmsley changing back to 'A Matter of Principle', with its harsh guitars that have a cut off rhythm which perfectly blends with his voice. 'If I Had Only' contains distant vocals along with the same guitar rhythm which also appears on the final track 'Hush'. The strangest track on the album, it contains barely no melody and could easily be a song penned for The Eraser as it repeats and builds it's the perfect end to this sublime record.
 
This album appears to be split into two, as if Warmsley cannot decide which path he would like to pursue. The first half of the album is acoustic love songs accompanied by stand alone guitar sounding a little Ryan Adams, and then the second half of the album is more Hot Chip with his wisping vocals and dance samples which play off delicate melodies. One thing though is for sure, whatever half of the album you are listening to, it is still the best you have heard from a male vocalist all year.