TV talent shows, you know the type…always drawing millions of viewers yet create uproar in the music industry; a controversial subject among opposing sets of fans and critics alike. Yes, on one hand it’s a brilliant opportunity to get exposure and have that chance of a record label contract, perform some covers on live television every weekend… it’s the easy way in, earn a fast buck, 15 minutes of fame then on to the next series and repeat, it’s a conveyor belt process. On the other hand, it’s easy to see why people are so sick of it…it’s creating disposable artists who haven’t really earned the spotlight, they haven’t put the hours in, they haven’t played the tiny clubs to next to no one for next to nothing, struggling to make a living. These are the real artists, yet, the war goes on. However, every so often, someone emerges from one of these talent shows who actually show’s genuine promise, and one of those people, is RAGSY. The lad from Aberdare, South Wales, appeared on THE VOICE, Season 2, and despite being knocked out in the elimination rounds, had a certain legitimacy to him, which is why today we find him still releasing his debut album; “Ouch!!!”…it can’t hurt to listen can it?
After approximately 20 seconds of nothing, the album gets underway with “Control”, which sets the general tone of the album from the word go, however delayed. It’s a soft, acoustic indie ballad with a light sprinkling of piano and some soothing string sections, all sounding very nice, but it’s Ragsy’s voice that sounds a little forced in places, could ideally do with taking it down a notch to suit the music itself. "Roll Me Out Like A Stone” for example, gets the sound just right, and in places has hints of STEREOPHONICS at its core; an early highlight.
“Give In (Desire)” and other tracks such as “Morning Sun” and “Turn A Light On” all carry with them the pleasant melodies that keep the album ticking along, especially the latter, again, utilizing a subtle Stereophonics influence, more so with the ever so slightly husky notes of Ragsy’s vocals, before we eventually finish up on “Feels Like Home”, which just like the opening track, takes forever to get going, which is quite frankly just a waste of time, considering there’s little that stands out. To call Ragsy a talent show reject would be harsh, so ignoring the fact he ever appeared on one, we’ll take this at face value, and really there’s little going for it either way. Sure it’s got pleasant moments, and he at least has the capability of writing his own material (he does show potential here) but sadly, feels like no more than background music for a coffee shop, for example. [5]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ragsy
After approximately 20 seconds of nothing, the album gets underway with “Control”, which sets the general tone of the album from the word go, however delayed. It’s a soft, acoustic indie ballad with a light sprinkling of piano and some soothing string sections, all sounding very nice, but it’s Ragsy’s voice that sounds a little forced in places, could ideally do with taking it down a notch to suit the music itself. "Roll Me Out Like A Stone” for example, gets the sound just right, and in places has hints of STEREOPHONICS at its core; an early highlight.
“Give In (Desire)” and other tracks such as “Morning Sun” and “Turn A Light On” all carry with them the pleasant melodies that keep the album ticking along, especially the latter, again, utilizing a subtle Stereophonics influence, more so with the ever so slightly husky notes of Ragsy’s vocals, before we eventually finish up on “Feels Like Home”, which just like the opening track, takes forever to get going, which is quite frankly just a waste of time, considering there’s little that stands out. To call Ragsy a talent show reject would be harsh, so ignoring the fact he ever appeared on one, we’ll take this at face value, and really there’s little going for it either way. Sure it’s got pleasant moments, and he at least has the capability of writing his own material (he does show potential here) but sadly, feels like no more than background music for a coffee shop, for example. [5]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ragsy
RSS Feed