The artist’s task is to capture the world. The mark of a great artist is the ability to offer a glimpse inside their mind. Ken Farrell is such an artist. Tossing off any semblances of singer-songwriter dynamics, Gravity Wave’s first label release, Gambol, channels the feeling Beck’s Mellow Gold or Odelay on virgin ears. Like the title suggests, it’s a playful romp, a mix of tech, funk, jazz, hip-hop, psych and pop driving Farrell’s kilter delivery of oft nonsensical lyrics. Beyond novelty, Gambol rewards with each listen as you delve further into Farrell’s imaginative mindscape.
This article appears in Dec 10-16, 2009.
I like the non-band Gravity Wave a thousand times better. The vocals on Gambol are not as good as Ken is capable of.