José Gonzàlez
Issue #33
In Our Nature (Mute)
By Anna Breshears
Published: December 1st, 2007 | 12:00am
José González, a Swede of Argentinean parentage who gave up a career in biochemistry to record and tour, makes luminous folk music heavily influenced by Nick Drake and Joao Gilberto. On In Our Nature, González’s deft classical guitar picking and surreal, double-tracked vocals yield accessible, hypnotic songs. And yet, unlike a typical singer-songwriter, the man behind the melodies reveals little of himself.
Sonically, Nature is somewhat more expansive than González’s critically acclaimed 2003 debut, Veneer. Vocalist Yukimi Nagamo and percussionist Erik Bodin add texture to the generally spare pieces. However, from the airy pastoral mood of “How Low” to the gorgeous, minimalist harmonies on “Killing For Love,” González still adheres to his characteristic economy.
The Massive Attack cover “Teardrop” is Nature’s best and its most lavish; the baroque guitar and velvety, seductive refrain “Teardrop on the fire / Feathers on my breath” sounds like 17th-century poetry from John Donne. “Time To Send Someone Away” is propelled by a crackling beat and plucked notes that sound as if they are licking at the wheels of a passing railcar; with the simple yet sweet line “And the summer rain is in your face” related so matter-of-factly, the vision of lovers parting is all the more poignant.
Nature possesses an intimate atmosphere in which every sound seems close, deliberate and warm. And yet, as on Veneer, González’s lyrics, though pretty, are distant and clumsy. He doesn’t relate individual narratives, but offers out-of-context observations and statements, choosing his words for sound rather than meaning. On future recordings, González’s biggest challenge will be to write the lyrics his songs deserve.
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