Beauvoir Free – American Trash

Frontiers Music (2015)

Reviewer – Phil Schofield

June 5^th heralds the European release of American Trash (June 9^th North America) another feather in the ever growing Frontiers Label’s cap.

For those familiar with Jean Beauvoir & Micki Free it sees a welcome return of the song writing partnership that gave us the seminal Crown of Thorns debut album.

Indeed back in 1994, this scribe was lucky to witness the Hike it Up tour on home turf and for those who caught the UK dates we can only wonder if this album is a return to that infectious groove.

Well let me tell you, this is a contender for album of the year, un-contrived with a well balanced reverence that other projects have fallen short of.

Jean Beavoirs unmistakable multilayered tones soar on ‘Angels Cry’, the catchy hook line & chant along of ‘American Trash’ & the track of the album ‘Shotgun To The Heart’.

The man with the melodic Midas touch, breaks out of the box like a Mad Max extra on speed with Micki Frees’ soaring riffs riding shotgun.

On ‘Morning After’ I couldn’t help but rack my brains where I’d heard that melody before ..but as with all true songwriters the whole album feels like a well worn tour T shirt from the very first play.

I drew comparison to the majestic ballad “Standin On the Corner for ya” with the ballad ‘Just Breathe’ a haunting reflective melody   & just to prove he can pen power pop delivers the earworm ‘She’s a KO’.

This album has swagger soul & a homely organic style that has been lacking on other recent musical collaborations.

If this a first dip into the Beauvoir Free territory check out two must have releases Hike It up & forgotten gem Voodoo X album.

As an interesting footnote check out   http://beauvoirfree.com for more information & let’s hope the icon marked “tour” has dates real soon.