CHADWICK STOKES
The Horse Comanche
Cooking Vinyl
Boston’s Humanitarian Of The Year of 2008, Chadwick Stokes, fronted bands Dispatch and State Radio before turning his hand to solo records. The former camp councilor delivers his latest effort The Horse Comanche.
There is little doubt that Stokes is a well read and considered songwriter when it comes to penning his lyrics, but on The Horse Comanche he gets more experimental with the arrangements of his songs. With the album being produced by Sam Beam, there is a folk bent for sure but some electronica and even delves into a reggae jaunt in the form of Prison Blue Eyes.
Stokes has plenty to say about society, and Our Lives Our Time explores intolerance with a focus on gay marriage and gender equality. It is the finest melody on the record and helps to draw people to Stokes’ message. For all its good moments, there are times when The Horse Comanche sadly falls into the flaccid territory that you would expect from someone like Jack Johnson.
Chadwick Stokes is building a reputation as a clever and literate writer who deserves attention. For all of its good moments, The songs on a The Horse Comanche aren’t as interesting as their song titles such as I Want You Like A Seatbelt.
3 stars
CHRIS HAVERCROFT
