Album Review: Kim Churchill – Silence/Win
2 min read
Australian folk/rock and blues talent Kim Churchill loosened the reigns a little for his new album Silence/Win by entrusting producer Warne Livesy with the creative process; it is not easy for an artist to relinquish such control over their work, but Churchill has recognised his doing so as another way of finding who he is. Kim is a captivating artist; he turned heads in his busking days, his songs are seemingly alive, he has a stage presence to be reckoned with and he is an annual main stage resident at the iconic Byron Bay Music Festival. There is no doubt that his audience loves him, and Silence/Win is expected to be his strongest release yet.
The album doesn’t waste any time to get into it, opener Single Spark ignites the flame; the track gives off the essence of a more upbeat Passenger track, and it gives a little taste of Churchill’s vocal powerhouse. Leading single Window To The Sky is captivating in the way it stop-starts and we hear a little more of what Kim can achieve vocally; Fear The Fire consists of a tremendous build up, Kim sings at a higher range in this track as well which makes it all the more captivating. Kim has us chanting a little in Only Time Can Take You On, he rambles on about life and the state of the world in Don’t Leave Your Life Too Long and we are treated to some sentimentality with Rage.
Churchill’s voice is in its element throughout Canopy, he is almost at a mighty roar and the dynamics of the song change masterfully; the overall sound of the track is also enthralling, it would be great to catch this track live. Backwards Head is that perfect ‘you should stop living in the past’ song, the vocal and instrumental delivery of the track perfectly demonstrates the frustration in doing so; You Are Lost isn’t the most captivating listen, but is still lyrically there. Dying Sun #7 begins as one of the more downbeat tracks featured on the album, but explodes into an atmosphere of energetic sound; second single Some Days The Rain May Fall ends the album on a lighthearted, deep and meaningful note.
Silence/Win is definitely an album worth being proud over; we were undoubtedly reminded of the artist within Kim Churchill and not just one of Australia’s most talented performers. Sometimes it can be quite difficult for an artist to be able to sustain the attention of both their audience and their listeners, each group walk away feeling a different experience and interpretation of the music; in Kim’s case with Silence/Win, you are treated to a similar energy on the recordings as what you would experience at one of his shows. Great album, awesome sound; Kim has shown us that his artistic and personal journey still has a way to go yet.
