Throwing ten tracks together and marking them under the elusive title Radio Songs, former Blur drummer Dave Rowntree marks his start in the realm of solo work. He is not the first to do so, and he is not the only former Blur member to release an album this year. Graham Coxon’s art-pop duo work on The Waeve seems the more interesting release of the two. But Radio Songs does have its charms and the simplicity that comes from a debut release is marked well with Rowntree’s efforts. It is key to mention that art-pop offering from Coxon though, as Rowntree appears to have taken the same art-pop route for his debut piece. A shaky start, but a start nonetheless.
Downtown marks the first approach of a non-single album track, a lovely but forgettable piece that feels a little Gorillaz in influence. It should be no surprise after working for so many years alongside Damon Albarn. What Radio Songs crucially provides, though, is an indication of Rowntree’s vocal talents. They are as clear as ever – and although they were never utilised in his heyday, it is a listener’s loss. London Bridge does little to cement that quality but that is the radio track single released much earlier on in this album’s development. Guessing that the rest of the tracks would feature some gorgeous, sombre lyrical surprises was not on the cards. 1000 Miles does well to cement that feeling, that intimacy Rowntree is so clearly striking for.
At its core though, Rowntree does well to remember his roots and features them nicely. HK is a wobbly, decently-formed drumming solo that springs to life in the middle of the album. It feels rocky and misplaced but it has some nice utilisations throughout, calming and melodic moments that would feel stronger if independently released, away from the other tracks. As resplendent and well-formed as it is, Radio Songs has trouble getting its pace together. An interesting project, certainly, but not one that rattles the cage of the art-pop genre. Tape Measure continues that ambient trouble. Rowntree has trouble with pacing and consistently tries to reinvent the form Radio Songs is taking. A risky move that at least shows some energy, but ends with a confused and jumbled album.
Even then, it is hard to muster up much like or dislike for Radio Songs. Rowntree marks a solo debut that is far stronger than most marking their territory after such a successful stint elsewhere. Radio Songs is not without its qualities, it just needs an extra push in the right direction to really form those qualities. A string section on Black Sheep, a moment of enlightenment and creativity on the title track. Radio Songs is an album of moments, not of integral quality, but of moments that inspire something interesting for Rowntree’s turn as a frontman. Black Sheep has those inevitable, autobiographical charms but it is too little, too late for an album that provides a scattershot of understated cacophonies and whimsy. Rowntree does mark a solid effort here, Radio Songs a nice foundation to see where his music is headed next.
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