Kenton Hall & The Necessary Measures – Songs for the Swung
“The Sun Shone Down” kicks off the album with soft strings and a folk-rock approach, creating a lyrical and nostalgic atmosphere. As the chorus arrives, the song changes to a sing-along pop style, combining warmth and melancholy. “Holly Says” follows with a stronger sound. The guitars become more obvious, and the vocal phrasing sometimes resembles that of R.E.M. At the same time, elements of the guitar work carry traces of Queens of the Stone Age and desert rock influences, particularly the short but memorable solo around the 1:30 mark, which also provides a touch of classic rock ‘n’ roll energy. “What She’s About to Do” features darker colours. The opening guitars offer melodic darkwave aesthetics like that of Bauhaus, but presented in a more realistic and approachable way. The inclusion of piano to the arrangement enhances the atmosphere and gives the song a dramatic feeling. “I’d Know You Anywhere” stands out with its trumpet-driven opening and its nostalgic vibe. The song combines David Bowie-style elegance with glam-era vibes of Marc Bolan and 1970s romance. Musically, it begins as a beautiful ballad, but lyrically, it becomes one of the album’s dramatic peaks, exploring thoughts on nostalgia, identity, and loyalty with heartbreaking realism. Lines like “There may come a time / I can’t call my own name to mind / But I’d know you anywhere” give the song a truly human and sad touch. “Heart Enough” builds on the intense feelings with an acoustic folk arrangement and vocals that sometimes approach Lou Reed’s mature style. The writings are heartbreakingly fragile, exploring love, exhaustion, and spiritual sacrifice. The repeating line “Has he still got enough heart to break?” acts as the track’s emotional center, contributing to its tragic beauty. “Good At What I Do” has a more up-to-date rock approach, incorporating influences ranging from The Rolling Stones’ attitude to Britpop elegance from the 1990s. The song merges classic rock sounds with easy melodic arrangement. The rest of the album leans heavily toward indie-folk, with a focus on acoustic instrumentation and honest songwriting. One exception is “Before You,” which offers a louder 1990s alternative rock energy via mid-tempo grooves and aggressive electric guitars, providing a welcome rush of excitement while maintaining the album’s structured identity. Overall, Songs for the Swung is an album that focuses on storytelling, maturity in emotions, and well-written melodies. Kenton Hall & The Necessary Measures mix folk, glam nostalgia, indie rock, and slight darkwave elements to create a collection of songs that seem nostalgic, personal, and truly human..
https://kentonhall.hearnow.com
