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 straightforward and quite easy on your ears.

Schwarz's lyrics aren't cryptic, but they aren't trite or obvious either, so you'll need to pay attention. It's always the best way to listen to and 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. This new version of "It's Been a Long Year" closes out the nine-song set that features eight originals and a cover of Parker's "Watch the Moon Come Down."

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