Nervous Passenger

Item: [Taller Trees]
Author: James Stewart

[Taller Trees]

(1998)

Reviewed by James Stewart

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Label Room 3 RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1999

acoustic rock alternative rock folk rock

There has been quite a wait for this follow-up to Nervous Passenger's well-received Ocean Air EP. An ambitious acoustic-rock outfit from Edinburgh, Scotland, the band profess to drawing on quite a variety of musical influences. Among those named, the Counting Crows influence is most obvious, with more subtle touches of Pearl Jam and early REM. The electric guitar of Neil Alton sometimes veers towards a surprising emo touch in a few lines, but mostly stays with a somewhat more conventional style. Keyboards, hammond organ, and accordion from Donald Webb fill out the sound.

Vocally, lead singer Neil Alton can take some getting used to. There is a sharp edge to some of his vocals which, combined with his strong accent, makes for a very distinctive style. He is also the main lyricist, and has managed to bring together a range of lyrical approaches, from first-person to third-person. Those lyrics draw on a broad range of experiences, obviously illuminated by his Christian faith. I was particularly taken with "Paint":

Hey friend won't you buy another canvas
In which to paint another picture
Like you used to do in black and gold
Oh chill now friend
Won't you buy another brush with which to paint
Another smile upon your face

This song is built around a tightly woven guitar pattern with a fresh feel. At times the lyrics can be a little predictable--there are rough edges to work off--but they are largely well focused while retaining a little space for the listener's interpretation.

"Come Higher" is another song that sticks out immediately. With a light, almost breezy, sound driven by the acoustic guitar and a hooky feel. The bass line drives the song along and the lyrics are open to the listener alongside their confessional nature:

I'm a liar, I've been lying to myself for so long
I'm a cheater, well I'm cheating myself out of you
Let me walk upon the grass to ease my weary soul
I don't know if I can lie in the bed I've made myself this time

The band are at their best when they let the acoustic guitar lead things, but the other elements and occasional move to more electric territory allow more diversity to flow through the album. There are a few rough edges that need to be smoothed and a couple of arrangements could be tighter, but this is a respectable second release from a band which could go a long way.