Album Review: Dustin Tebbutt – Home (2015 Mini-Album)

Home is masterful in its ability to seep into your very core. Seven ethereal tracks have the potency to achieve an eternal and total state of calm. Repeated references to nature establish a lyrical motif that effectively communicates the complexity and volatility of the human heart. Increased layers of instrumental create a sophisticated sound that distinguishes the mini album from Dustin Tebbutt’s previous work. His refined skills in production create an immersive soundscape, combining silky vocals with textured acoustics.

The second track, “Home” glides to a start with delicate piano chords. Haunting croons deliver a poetic narrative that echoes across the track. A thumping drumbeat intensifies the pace, percussive undertones adding to a multi-faceted texture of sound. Orchestral strings build to crescendos that reverberate rhythmically, electric guitar riffs providing contrast with their unmistakable twang.

Dual harmonies appear in Tebbutt’s stellar collaboration with Thelma Plum in “Silk”. Her solo projection is magnified above low fi instrumentation in true indie folk style. Observational lyricism unfolds in a hypnotic combination of vocals. Plum’s honeyed purr dissolves into faint murmurs that beautifully compliment Tebbutt’s velvety delivery.

“Winter sun” sets a tranquil tone with a dual string introduction. Tempered strums resonate above mutable flutters, soaring vocals quick to interlude. Electric harmonies contribute to a heightened pace that climaxes in a recurring chorus. A cluster of jovial whistles kick-start an extended coda flavored with erratic percussion and harp cascades, the rich timbre of violin delivered in sinuous strikes. Its celestial quality stimulates your imagination making for a captivating final song. If you close your eyes, you may just float.

Tebbutt’s mini album Home is a meticulously constructed body of work. Sublime vocals tell enigmatic stories, the transcendental beauty and fragility of the natural world playing metaphor for experiences of heartache, confusion and loss. Though all tracks form an effortlessly smooth stream of musical consciousness, each is differentiated through a kaleidoscopic soundscape. Whether it’s the long and traffic entrenched journey at the end of a wretched day or simply the act of collapsing starfish style on anything with pillows, the record’s serene energy will remedy your woes and ignite pleasant contemplation.

Review Score: 9.0 out of 10

Home is available now. For more details visit dustintebbutt.com

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