In Our Nature

I've read reviews claiming "In Our Nature" is merely "Veneer Part 2" and sees Gonzalez re-hashing a winning formula. I feel these accusations are a little unjust. "Veneer" showcased such a wonderfully unique singer/songwriter sound that it would be hard and pointlessly dangerous to move too far adrift. Unfortunately the classic sophomore criticism is apparent thanks to this inimitable style; grand expectations of something new and better become rife. I feel that while the overall sound is undeniably similar, the album is in no way the same. It touches on different subjects and evokes new moods and atmospheres.

As I said earlier, "In Our Nature" provides idiosyncratic Gonzalez songs, such as "How Low" and "Killing For Love", both giving early insight that Gonzalez is not about to blow your mind with a wild direction change. However, "How Low" and the second song "Down The Line" do present a subtle progression, and one that I feel is central to "In Our Nature". "Veneer" was centred mostly on Gonzalez's personal problems - notably broken relationships. "How Low" and especially "Down The Line" are the first of many songs which see Gonzalez stepping back and viewing social dynamics; making a variety of observations, mostly cutting and ominous, but ultimately positive and hopeful, emphasised by the "Down The Line" chanting climax of "Don't let the darkness eat you up". This is continued throughout with songs such as "Killing For Love" and "Cycling Trivialities", the latter ends the album on a poignant yet sincerely depressing vibe, attacking the ultimately trivial and futile self-centred nature in himself and those around him- "So, where's this leaving me? Recycling trivialities". This culmination sees a solution to the building tensions and problems depicted throughout the album. It may be a dark and ultimately depressing solution, but in a strange way it gives a wonderful sense of completion, of almost peace within the dark resolve.

Special mention must go to the cover of Massive Attack's "Teardrop" for being the best song Gonzalez has produced. "Heartbeats" was a grand success of a cover, but for me "Teardrop" is just sublime. The original is a beautiful piece, atmospheric and moving, yet Gonzalez transcends it. This song just has to be heard. My other standout track I am yet to mention is "Fold", which showcases an irresistible main melody that completely captures me.

Overall this is another superb album from José Gonzalez, continuing his sound and style, but addressing new problems and forging new atmospheres and moods. It contains a number of songs which I feel to be his best work to date, such as the pinnacle "Teardrop", the striking "Fold" and the powerful climax of "Cycling Trivialities". Take this for what it is, not some wild new direction. Enjoy it!

Jose Gonzalez's first album, Veneer, had a quiet, haunting beauty about it. Softly sung songs with quietly plucked guitar melodies really made you LISTEN and hear the music. With In Our Nature, there are more layered, textured songs that sound a little firmer in strength, but that beauty that was housed within the first album transfers here, and the transfer is smooth and complimentary with the enriched melodies. His sound hasn't changed (You gotta admit, when a talented musician with such a specific sound has a widely received 1st album ,you always wonder if they will stray from what makes them unique on the 2nd album. He certainly doesn't.) He adds a few more rhythms, but the simple ingenuity that gave the first album it's strength is still completely at home here.
If you liked Veneer, you will not be disappointed with In Our Nature.

Swedish-born Latino José González's 2007 album is not much of a departure from 2003's Veneer, which I reviewed a while back. I dare say there might be a few folks who bought "Veneer" and liked it enough but were hoping for something different this time round. They will be very disappointed.

Personally, I'm totally loving this. To give him his due credit, he HAS tried something slightly different by bringing in Y. Nagano to do backing vocals, E. Boudin to play percussion and H. Wirenstrand to play synthesizer, when "Veneer" was pretty much a one-man show. I'm not sure it makes much difference to the overall sound though. All the songs are written by González except for his interpretation of "Teardrop", the Massive Attack classic, "Time to send someone away", which was co-written by Gonzalez and M. Bergqvist and "The nest", co-written by Gonzalez and Y. Nagano.

This is what González does - clear, clean, Latin-influenced folk songs with just him and his solo classical guitar (for the most part) - and I think he does it well. But it might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially on two albums in a row (not to mention one EP). For me however, this kind of stuff hits the spot. Every time.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 26 reviews  4.3 out of 5 stars