Russell Thomas
No Matter the Crime
Part David Gray, part Al Stewart, Sheffield based Russell Thomas creates a lush sound with this track “No Matter the Crime.”
The track starts with 4 bars of an acoustic that sets up an up-tempo waltz feel, then the full band kicks in – drums, bass, strings and piano in a raising chord progression that (no pun intended) is very uplifting. As the first verse starts, his alto is joined in harmony by a couple of voices creating a spacious ambiance with their oo’s and ah’s. It’s swooning love song, as he’s admiring the “beauty, so clearly defined”.
With the chorus, it must be a mad love because he’ll “always forgive you, no matter the crime.” And the music is so uplifting, you’re right there with him, you’re hooked. They could hold up a liquor store, and we’ll forgive them too. 😉
Not to compare him to too many other artists, but there’s also an element of The Corrs here, with such a lush blend of males and female voices. The bridge especially – we don’t hear a lot of this in pop music anymore – it reminded me that I need to go back and dust off my Al Stewart records.
Russell cut a few of his teeth busking across Australia and New Zealand years ago. You can hear that in the acoustic part laid down in this track – it’s a very open, broad stroke, campfire feel that drives the tempo. In listening to his other work, this track is a step up in production, songwriting and execution. There’s a solid market for this type of feel-good pop, and we look forward to what he’ll release next.
Check it out now!