Acoustic Jim and the Wires - Hanging up my cape album review

Looking out on a dank and dreary day in Liverpool is not something I would recommend to anyone but on listening to Acoustic Jim and the Wire's album "Hanging up my cape" made it all the more brighter

Acoustic Jim Hustwit, 31, is a Leeds-born singer song-writer and producer whose catchy infusion of soulful acoustic pop won him the title of ‘Best Male Solo Artist’ at the People’s Music Awards. Jim has just self-released his eagerly awaited debut album “Hanging up My Cape” which he wrote and produced. The album boasts an eclectic contrast of brooding strings, bold brass arrangements and driving bass and beats. The sound is best described as Jack Johnson/Ed Sheeran with the soulful edge of James Morrison and funky side of Jason Mraz. He’s spending August touring the UK to promote the album.

The album has a varied mix of styles from the reggae styled sound of "Time" to the upbeat, trumpet fused sounds of the first track " Superhero" and a lot of catchy, hooks and harmonies.

The first track grabs you and wants you to keep listening and keep listening you should as Acoustic Jim takes you calmly by the hand through the album. Obviously a lot of acoustic guitar plays heavily through the whole album but with the mixture of trumpet, string and Jim's sweet penetrating voice makes that second fiddle. 

"Stand and fight" has a gorgeous string section playing through-out and they compliment the lyrics and vocals beautifully.

The album goes from slow to upbeat in a blink of an eye and although this sometimes can be quite disconcerting it seems to work well and the use of the trumpet on many of the tracks is not over done and does not take anything away from the whole eel of the album.

"She's the one" stands out for me with its Spanish, flamenco style and quick paced lyrics its an ideal song to cheer you up as does "Les fourmis" which is sung entirely in french. I have to admit this was a curve ball when listening to it but a most welcome one.

The album on the whole has a glorious summer feel to it and would not be out of place in a hot sunny day and us highly recommended to brighten up the most dreary of days. A brilliant piece of work and I look forward to seeing them live if they are ever in the Liverpool area. 

You can listen and download the album itself here
http://acousticjim.bandcamp.com/album/hanging-up-my-cape

http://acousticjim.co.uk/