Little Finger – Big Finish
Little Finger – Big Finish
Self-Released
Release Date: 07/05/2021
Running Time: 53:08
Review by Beth Jones
10/10
There’s something quite humbling about writing reviews. It’s a unique experience, where you get to give your honest opinion on why someone’s music speaks to you, or not, as is the case sometimes. And occasionally you get the opportunity to review something that really hits home, what a privileged position you’re in as a reviewer, and how vulnerable musicians are, regardless of their status within the music business. Putting music out there, to the mercy of the braying pack, and hoping that the fickleness of opinion doesn’t destroy the dream that you’ve put your entire existence into creating. It’s a strange concept really. Anyway, I digress, yet again. I’m getting very philosophical in my old age you know. Today’s subject is one of those occasions, that’s got me a little star struck.
Little Finger is the new solo project of David Brooks, who, like every musician, found himself at a loose end during lockdown. Now, the name might not mean a lot to you to start with. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover that this understated musician has been kicking it with the best since 1989, when he left his homeland of Yorkshire, and moved to London to become a rock star, playing keys, bass, and guitar, as well as singing. Having been a member Cutting Crew and D:ream (who I really rather liked back in the 90’s), he became the keyboard player for Gary Numan in 1996. Since then, he’s done it all. He’s worked with a host of big names, from Smokey Robinson to Samuel L. Jackson, and everything in between, as well as being a DJ, songwriter, and a part of The Sway Allstars Orchestra. “Big Finish” sees him working alongside some of the talented and experienced musicians who’ve been part of these line-ups, too.
Musically, this project crosses many divides. It’s pop with a raw edge, it’s 80s and 90s electronica with modern influences and methods, it’s got funk, and it’s rocky in places, but with a dance beat. It’s driven by keys, which pleases me a lot, being a pianist. I can hear various influences in it from across the musical genres. But most of all, it’s good, and that’s the really important thing.
The opening track, ‘Fly’ is a stunningly beautiful ballad, that sets the tone for the album. This is pure Beatles-esque in its structure and progressions, but its sweeping strings and synths bring it into the here and now. When the first track on an album is this breathtaking, you know you’re going to be in for something special, even if it’s a complete deviation from what you’d usually be listening to. Variety is the spice of life.
From the sweeping ballad, we’re steered into full on electro-funk in ‘Something’s Gone Wrong’. It makes you move and pull a very satisfied face. And these two tracks set the tone for the whole album – a combination of beautiful and melancholic ballads, and funky upbeat tunes that would have had Prince strutting his sparkly shoulder pads in approval.
There are a couple of more recognisably ‘rocky’ tracks – ‘My Friends’ and ‘Sleeping With The Lights On’, the latter reminding me of some of Skunk Anansie/Skin’s later tunes. There’s also a bonus acoustic version of this to close the album.
The penultimate track, ‘Give Me Something’ is my pick of the album. It’s heavier than the rest, and in a melancholic minor key. It almost takes on the feeling of a grand overture in a West End show. It’s dark and haunting, with intricate cadences and soaring melodies that really grab you in the feels. It has quieter piano and vocal sections, that swell into fully orchestrated peaks in the choruses. It’s carried by atmospheric synth throughout, which add to the feeling.
Having all the orchestration really makes “Big Finish” a very special album, but when it comes down to it, it’s all really about piano and vocals working together to complement each other, with everything else simply adding to the perfect harmonies already there. Every song is composed, orchestrated, and performed with style. Production wise, the entire album is flawless, too. But with David Brooks’ talent and experience, this is really no surprise. Everything is beautifully understated, and complex in its simplicity. If you’re looking for something a little bit different to spin, then “Big Finish” is it.
‘Fly’ (Official video) (Warning – this video contains flashing images)
TRACKLISTING:
01. Fly
02. Something’s Gone Wrong
03. Beautiful Day
04. Get A Life
05. I Feel Like I Want To Die
06. My Friends
07. Sleeping With The Lights On
08. There’s No Such Thing As Love
09. Wasted
10. My Life
11. Give Me Something
12. Sleeping With The Lights On (Acoustic)
LINE-UP:
David Brooks – Keys/Vocals/Orchestration
Guest Appearances:
Angela Brooks – Track 2, 7 & 9
Ashley Slater – Track 4
TJ Davis – Track 5
Joell Fender – Track 11
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Jones and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
I was very surprised when I heard this album. Surprised because it sounds nothing like you would expect a member of Gary Numans band to come up with. It shows a real mature musical talent. I’ve been lucky enough to meet David and am looking forward to meeting him again and giving him a well deserved pat on the back.