Album Review

Aqualung – Fingertip

• 20th Jun 2010

Matt Hales has always been known for his delving and searching music, but it seems that in the run up to this single and his sixth album, ‘Magnetic North’ that is to follow shortly afterwards.

His searching and delving nature, led him to consider closing the lid on his soothing piano and going into the noble teaching profession. A wise decision seems to have been made to keep projecting his thoughts through his searching music, into the public domain.

‘Fingertip’, as a natural corollary to this life assessing, is probably Aqualung at their most aching and reflective. Soothing and rhythmic, high profile female backing contrasts with Hales’ a touch panicky and bleeding hearted lead. He tops this off with a roving key led accompaniment. Feelings of fragility are ironed out and eventually smoothed over.

‘Lost’, sees the return of that lobbing piano and tenderly brushed percussive punctuation, as a pedestrian pace is settled into. Here, Hales shows that his soulfully meandering leanings of old still drive his music.
Aqualung has lost no momentum and will continue to provide food for thought, meditation and even a little relaxation.