RAINTOWN - Writing On The Wall

The new album from RAINTOWN seems to have taken forever. But the wait is over, and “Writing On The Wall” (BMB) has finally arrived.
And I have to say, it’s been worth the wait.
Paul & Claire have made some good music together for a number of years now. The have obviously matured in their writing and performing since their last album, “Hope In Troubled Times”. They have written, or co-written nine of the twelve tracks on the album. The thing that impressed me most, is the crisp clean arrangements on many of the tracks, which really match the American Country sound.
Each song is handled differently. In some, Paul takes the lead, in others, it’s Claire. On tracks like “If This Was A Love Song”, the single from the album, their harmonies come out in force.
On tracks like “Missing You”, Paul leads the first half of the song, before Claire takes over. This song was written in the aftermath of Glasgow’s Clutha tragedy.
Most of the tracks are quite upbeat, like “Beautiful Life”, and “Writing On The Wall”.
“Forever Isn’t Long Enough” and “Better Beautiful” are more of a medium paced ballad, with lead vocals by Claire, whilst “Shut The Front Door” is an upbeat attitude song, one of the more rockier tracks on the CD,
“Nineteen Again”, written by Brian Hughes, is a good upbeat number, which sounds like it came right out of Music City USA. It’s a really strong radio friendly number. By contrast, “See You Again” is a beautiful ballad, with a simple piano, bass and steel arrangement.
Recorded at Par Street Studio in Liverpool, producer Justin Johnson has really captured Paul & Claire’s talent down to a tee. Fellow rising stars Laura Oakes and Luke Thomas also feature on the album.
Altogether, it’s a good modern Country sound. This album is right up there with the cream of the Nashville releases.