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Review: Speak Low If You Speak Love - Everything But What You Need

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Everything But What You Need is the Pure Noise Records debut from State Champs bassist Ryan Scott Graham. An updated version of the 2013 album of the same name, Everything But What You Need is an all-encompassing release, one that is sure to garner Graham the attention of many.

The album overall is one that carries a cohesive and well-developed sound throughout, with Graham’s vocals often taking on a comforting and soothing tone. The simple acoustic guitar, which is sometimes accompanied by an electric counterpart and the occasional drum, creates a release akin to one of an early Ed Sheeran or Into It. Over It., especially with tracks like “A List Of Things” and “Have My Head”.

Lyrically, the album is raw and real, with Graham’s vocals often perfectly portraying each track’s lyrical content. This is especially present in “Eight Weeks” and the aforementioned “A List Of Things”, where listeners can hear the personal impact of the lyrics the songwriter is performing. “Ruined” is the standout on the release, both musically and lyrically, featuring lines like “I couldn’t break it off; I had no guts, ‘cause you were one of my few great loves” and “you had abandoned your love for doubt”. A relatable and relevant track, it’s sure to once again become an instant fan-favourite.

Throughout, Everything But What You Need maintains a consistent energy while occasionally slowing down with tracks like “Locking Lips” and “Confusion”, allowing for listeners to become familiar with Graham’s musical diversity. New songs “Adjacent” and “The Time In Between” further this, with the former carrying with it a country/folk vibe and the latter closing the album with an ambient sound similar to Molly Drag.

Overall, Everything But What You Need is a release that every acoustic fan needs in their collection. The variety and skill Graham presents throughout the release is one of a musician with triple his experience, and it shows how much potential the young songwriter has. It’s a truly beautiful release and is sure to afford Graham the attention he deserves in 2015.

Download: Ruined

5/5

By Clare Fitzgerald