Brinsley Schwarz - Shouting At The Moon (2025)

Brinsley Schwarz has been discussed here several times before in two ways: as part of his namesake, pub-rock band and as a solo artist. You can't go wrong with either one.

Schwarz spent a handful of years playing lead guitar as the nominal leader of his early '70s quintet followed by decades as a sideman in the same role for Graham Parker and the Rumour. In recent years, the English rock veteran has become a singer-songwriter making music his own way. Shouting at the Moon is his third solo album.

Schwarz easily creates a groove, sets a mood, and proves his worthiness as an axman, all without pretentiousness or excessive volume. He doesn't possess a strong set of pipes, but as always, his vocals are pleasingly direct and quite easy on your ears.

Schwarz's lyrics aren't cryptic, but they aren't trite or obvious either, so you need to pay attention. It's always the best way to enjoy intelligent songwriting.

On "Nothing is What it Seems" the star's growling electric guitar lays a perfect foundation for words that can be interpreted in two completely different ways. Is it a song about a betrayal by a friend or a political statement?

"You’re just a liar and your friend’s a thief
You got a two-timing nature hidden underneath
Your winning smile and your talk of fair play
I don’t believe you, no matter what you say.

It’s all illusion, just a fake
Do you think we’re blind, well for goodness sake
You gotta stop your lying, time to come clean
There’s a big storm coming Nothing is what it seems."

Other highlights include "The Chance," a song about a couple who needs to find the courage to start an affair after they finally meet each other. There's a remake of an environmental track Schwarz released as a single last year. The new version of "It's Been a Long Year" closes out this nine-song set that has eight originals and a cover of "Watch the Moon Come Down," a Parker original.

Schwarz's first two albums were winners, and Shouting at the Moon is too.

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