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Simon Comber: Pre-Pill Love

The title suggests a nostalgia for bygone times and that is the impression this recording leaves. It's a folky slice of kiwiana that doesn't seem to invite or expect airplay on commercial radio and as such, it has its charms. The lyrics are often diary-like musings, yet succinct and poetic. Beautifully recorded, eight tracks were laid down at Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios in Auckland by Edmund McWilliams Jr., the remaining three tracks took shape in the Radio NZ Dunedin studios. I didn't enjoy Comber's voice largely because his delivery seems to fall short and so often sounds uncommitted, the effect being almost sarcastic on occasion. A little more care taken with that and this recording could perhaps be a bit like Damien Rice, as it is folky, reflective and wintery, but in a Kiwi way. There's impeccable guitar playing throughout, usually by Neil Watson, but Comber himself plays sensitively on the romantic and
questioning Where Will You Go. For my money that is the highlight, as it an accessible and emotive song. Out on Carpathian Records, distributed by Elite. Info: www.simoncomber.com

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